ASUU threatens industrial action over unresolved issues in NSUK

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK) chapter, has warned that it may embark on industrial action over unresolved staff welfare issues.

 

Speaking at a press briefing on Thursday, the branch chairperson, Abdulmumini Loko, said the union was compelled to draw attention to lingering concerns despite repeated engagements with the state government.

 

He cautioned that industrial harmony could be disrupted if urgent steps are not taken to address the union’s demands, particularly the payment of outstanding entitlements.

 

“Industrial harmony cannot be assured if the Nasarawa State Government fails to urgently clear all outstanding arrears and respond to our demands,” Loko said.

 

The union listed its demands to include the immediate implementation of the 40 per cent salary increase earlier agreed with the Federal Government, improved funding for the institution, and payment of professorial allowances.

 

Other demands include settlement of arrears of Earned Academic Allowance, outstanding salary increments of 25 per cent and 35 per cent, as well as arrears tied to the N70,000 minimum wage and the N35,000 wage award.

 

ASUU also called for the domestication of the contributory pension scheme, timely remittance of counterpart funding, enforcement of the approved retirement age for professors, regular constitution of visitation panels, and full pension payments for retired professors.

 

Loko warned that continued inaction could lead to declining academic standards, increased brain drain, disruption of academic activities, and worsening staff welfare.

 

While reaffirming the union’s preference for dialogue, he noted that patience among members was wearing thin.

 

“While we remain open to dialogue and constructive engagement, our members’ patience is not limitless,” he said.

 

He added that the union may be forced to take lawful measures to protect the interests of its members and the integrity of the university system if the issues remain unresolved.