ASUU-IBBUL Urges Niger State Government to Address Staff Welfare, Increase University Funding

ASUU-IBBUL Urges Niger State Government to Address Staff Welfare, Increase University Funding

Union warns of potential impact on academic standards, staff retention, and institutional development

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai (IBBUL) Branch, has called on the Niger State Government to urgently address issues relating to staff welfare and university funding, warning that prolonged delays could affect academic standards and institutional growth.

The appeal was made during a press conference held at the IBBUL School Auditorium on Tuesday, where the Branch Chairman, Dr. Galadima Audu Bala, outlined a number of concerns affecting academic staff and the university system.

Addressing journalists, Dr. Bala said the union's demands were aimed at improving teaching, research, and the overall development of the institution. He emphasized the need for adequate funding to support academic activities, infrastructure development, and the effective operation of the university.

Among the demands presented by the union are the implementation of the Consolidated Academic Tools Allowance (CATA), pegged at 40 percent of the Consolidated Nigerian University Academic Salary Structure (CONNUAS), implementation of the Professional Allowance, payment of postgraduate supervision allowances for both internal and external supervision, settlement of outstanding Earned Academic Allowance (EAA) arrears, payment of responsibility allowances, and the resolution of other non-financial issues affecting members.

The union expressed concern that continued delays in addressing the issues could have wider implications for the institution. According to Dr. Bala, unresolved welfare challenges may affect staff morale, contribute to the migration of qualified academics to other institutions, and hinder efforts to improve the university's academic performance.

He further noted that persistent grievances could disrupt academic activities and negatively impact the institution's competitiveness among state-owned universities across the country.

Despite the concerns, the ASUU chairman reiterated the union's commitment to dialogue and constructive engagement with the Niger State Government. He expressed optimism that the issues raised would receive the necessary attention in the interest of industrial harmony and the sustainable development of the university.

The union's position comes amid ongoing discussions across several public universities in Nigeria regarding funding, staff welfare, and measures aimed at strengthening higher education institutions.