The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has rejected the Federal Government’s proposed loan scheme for university staff across the country.
The federal government had launched the interest-free loan scheme aimed at providing financial relief and professional development opportunities for staff in tertiary institutions across the country.
Each eligible staff member can access up to N10 million, capped at 33.3 per cent of their gross annual salary.
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According to ASUU, the loan scheme is a “poison chalice” that would further burden its members with debt.
Professor Christopher Piwuna, ASUU National President, disclosed this on Thursday during a press conference held at the group’s secretariat, University of Jos.
He stated that its members do not lack access to loans and are already struggling with debt. He said instead of the loan scheme, ASUU demanded that the government sign the renegotiated agreement to improve staff purchasing power and reduce reliance on debts.
“NEC considered this policy of government and decisively rejected the proposition requesting ASUU to write a letter for its members to access loans.
“Our members do not lack where to find loans; indeed, they are already deep in debt from such loans. What we need now is for government to sign our renegotiated agreement, which will improve our purchasing power and decrease our reliance on debts from cooperative societies.
“It is needless to add that this government is still owing our members 3½ months salaries for work done. Government should use the money set aside for the loans to defray our withheld salaries. Members are advised to stay away from the loan and focus on our legitimate entitlements because it is a bait,” the President said.
The academics then threatened to embark on strike if the government failed to address re-negotiations of the 2009 ASUU agreement, sustainable funding of universities and revitalization of universities.
“The general public should also note that ASUU has written several letters to the FGN drawing its attention to need to resolve this crisis amicably. Lamentably, the FGN has always turned a deaf ear to all our pleas.
“As always, it is the FGN that has consistently pushed our union to embark on a strike action, and it is clear that ASUU may have no other option than to embark on an action to press the FGN to listen to our demands and do the needful,” Piwuna said.