The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) at Niger Delta University, Amassoma, Bayelsa State, has called on Nigerians to resist the Federal Government’s proposed use of pension funds for developmental projects. This plea was made during a press conference on Friday, where ASUU chairperson Lucky Bebeteidoh voiced concerns over the government’s intentions.
“We have observed the Minister of Finance’s recent statements about accessing the Pension Fund, which is the life-saving reserve for many Nigerians,” Bebeteidoh stated. He highlighted that the government is legally permitted to access only five per cent of these funds, but now aims to take much more, urging Nigerians to oppose this move.
In a protest to press home their demands, academic staff called on the government to honour various memoranda signed with ASUU concerning the revitalisation of public universities. Demonstrators carried placards with messages such as “Enough will be enough when all necessary positive interventions are made in public universities” and “Niger Delta University needs improved funding from the Bayelsa State Government: NDU needs staff offices, lecture halls, laboratories & hostels for students.”
Bebeteidoh outlined several contentious issues, including the illegal dissolution of governing councils, the release of three months of withheld salaries, payment to staff on sabbatical, and third-party deductions. He also mentioned the need for payment of Earned Academic Allowances (EAA), control of private university proliferation, implementation of visitation panel reports, and the replacement of the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS) with the University Transparency and Accountability Solution (UTAS).
Addressing the renegotiation of the 2009 agreement, Bebeteidoh criticised those who had previously negotiated on behalf of the government. “The same people who promised an end to strikes when they gained power are now hindering the renegotiation of the 2009 agreement,” he said, calling for the release of revitalisation funds that were budgeted for last year but remain unreleased.
ASUU also expressed dissatisfaction with Governor Douye Diri’s lack of attention to the developmental needs of Niger Delta University. Bebeteidoh noted, “We have submitted letters to the state government regarding the 35/25% wage award. Federal academic staff have already received two months’ arrears and more payments with their May/June salaries. We expect the Bayelsa State Government to urgently approve this wage award for our staff.”
Highlighting infrastructural deficiencies, Bebeteidoh pointed out that most projects at the university were funded by federal entities like TETFUND, NEEDS Assessment, and NDDC, despite it being a state university. “We lack staff accommodation on campus, forcing staff to commute from Yenagoa daily,” he said.
In conclusion, Bebeteidoh called on the state government to invest in the university’s infrastructure. “We need faculty buildings, staff offices, laboratories, and proper student hostels. The current facilities are inadequate, and the government must address these needs promptly,” he asserted.
ASUU’s demands underscore the urgent need for the government to meet its commitments and enhance the funding and infrastructure of public universities in the Niger Delta and beyond.