The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has issued a directive to its members across the country to suspend all academic activities in any month their salaries are delayed beyond the third day, pending full payment.
This decision, announced by ASUU National President, Prof. Christopher Piwuna, was made public in an exclusive interview with Tribune Online on Monday night. He stated that the union had resolved to enforce the “no pay, no work” rule, citing persistent salary delays and economic hardship.
Prof. Piwuna accused the Federal Government of deliberately frustrating the operations of the Government Integrated Financial Management Information System (GIFMIS), which replaced the controversial Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS).
“We believe the government is punishing us for rejecting IPPIS,” he said. “Other public workers still on IPPIS are paid promptly, but our salaries are consistently delayed since migrating to GIFMIS.”
He expressed frustration that despite ASUU’s efforts to negotiate and resolve salary and welfare concerns, members are forced to work without pay in a harsh economic climate.
“We cannot work without food, transport, or the means to meet basic needs,” Piwuna said. “That is why NEC has resolved that if by the third day of any month salaries are not paid, our members will down tools until payment is made.”
ASUU also reiterated its call on the government to conclude the renegotiation of the 2009 Agreement, noting that the delay reflects the government’s lack of seriousness toward the welfare of university staff and the future of education in Nigeria.
This development adds to growing tension within the education sector, amid unresolved funding issues and a struggling economy.
