From Ndubuisi Orji, Abuja
House of Representatives has resolved to intervene in the non-payment of salaries of members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) by the Federal Government for the eight months they went on strike last year.
The House has mandated its Committees on University Education, Finance, Appropriations, Labour and Productivity, and Legislative Compliance to interface with the ASUU and the Federal Government to resolve the issues surrounding the outstanding eight months salaries of the lecturers, following the ‘no work, no pay’ policy of the government.
The committees are expected to report back to the House within four weeks for further legislative actions.
This followed the adoption of a motion by the member, representing Enugu East/Isiuzo Federal Constituency of Enugu State, Paul Nnamchi, and three others, calling for the intervention of the House on eight months outstanding salaries of the university lecturers.
Nnamchi, while leading debate on the motion, recalled that ASUU members had embarked on eight months’ strike in 2023, due to the Federal Government’s failure to honour its past agreements with the union.
The lawmaker noted that regrettably, the strike by the lecturers, which was intended to get the government to resolve the systemic issues in the universities, had led to financial consequences for the dedicated ASUU members, who participated in the industrial action.
According to him, “the university lecturers play a crucial role in the education system, providing knowledge, guidance, and mentorship, to future leaders, and ensuring a stable and motivated academic workforce for educational institution development.
“The ASUU is a recognized body of academic professionals in Nigeria, committed to the advancement of education and research within the federal university system,” he noted.
The lawmaker added: “Federal university lecturers are facing financial hardships, and distress due to the eight months’ salary owed to them as a result of the ASUU strike, with adverse consequences on the students’ educational experiences, and overall well-being.
“Unpaid salaries can negatively affect the lecturers’ morale, job satisfaction, and teaching effectiveness, thereby, affecting the quality of education provided to students. The educational success and prospects of students are intricately linked to the financial security and dedication of teachers.”
Nnamchi argued that, “resolving this issue is crucial for the stability and excellence of universities, the welfare of educators, and the nation’s economy.”