Rising tensions at Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK), threaten to disrupt academic activities, as lecturers intensify demands for the payment of outstanding salaries and allowances.
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), NSUK branch, on Thursday declared that it can no longer guarantee industrial harmony unless the Nasarawa State Government urgently addresses longstanding arrears and outstanding obligations.
“Unless immediate steps are taken by the Nasarawa State Government to defray all outstanding arrears and address our demands, industrial harmony cannot be guaranteed,” said Dr. Abdulmumini Loko, Chairperson of ASUU NSUK, while briefing journalists.
Loko explained that the press conference was convened to “draw urgent attention to the continued neglect of critical issues affecting our members and the university system”.
According to the union, its demands include the implementation of the 40 per cent salary increment agreed between ASUU and the Federal Government, payment of Earned Academic Allowance arrears, and settlement of outstanding 25 per cent and 35 per cent salary increments.
The union is also calling for the implementation of professorial allowances, payment of arrears related to the ₦70,000 minimum wage and ₦35,000 wage award, and increased funding for the university.
Additional concerns include the domestication of the contributory pension scheme with prompt remittance by the government, enforcement of the compulsory retirement age for professors, the regular constitution of visitation panels, and full pension entitlements for retired professors.
“We hereby call on the Nasarawa State Government to urgently address these issues to restore staff morale and ensure effective teaching, research, and infrastructural development,” Loko said.
He noted that despite repeated engagements with the government, the issues remain unresolved.
“ASUU NSUK remains committed to dialogue and constructive engagement. However, the patience of our members is not infinite. We therefore urge the Nasarawa State Government to act decisively and responsibly in resolving these issues without further delay,” he added.
Loko further warned that the union may resort to legal action if the government fails to respond.
“Failure to do so will leave the union with no option but to take all lawful steps necessary to protect the interests of its members and preserve the integrity of the university system,” he said.
