By Wealth Oghenemaro
The University of Jos branch of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has dismissed the Federal Government’s newly introduced loan scheme for tertiary institution workers, describing it as a deceptive move that fails to address the real issues affecting academics.
Speaking at a press briefing in Jos on Tuesday, the chapter chairman, Prof. Jurbe Molwus, insisted that what lecturers need is not more debt but the full implementation of the renegotiated 2009 ASUU-FG agreement.
About two weeks ago, the Federal Government unveiled the Tertiary Institutions Staff Support Fund, which Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, said was designed to support the welfare and career development of both academic and non-academic staff.
But Prof. Molwus strongly rejected the initiative, calling it a “trap” and a “poisoned chalice,” warning members of the union to stay clear of it.
“Our members are already drowning in loans from cooperative societies. What we require is not another debt package but a fair agreement that will enhance our purchasing power,” he stated.
On the ongoing peaceful protests by ASUU across campuses, Molwus explained that the demonstrations were meant to remind government of unresolved issues threatening the university system. He called on President Bola Tinubu to engage directly with ASUU leaders and take decisive steps to avert another round of academic disruption nationwide.
