ASUU condemns FG’s plan to deduct 40% from university’s IGR

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has condemned the Federal Government’s recent proposal to deduct 40% from universities’ Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), citing concerns that it will greatly harm the university system.

News Round The Clock gathered that the Ministry of Finance had informed academic institutions nationwide about this plan in October.

In a statement released after ASUU’s National Executive Council meeting at Kaduna State University, the union’s National President, Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke, conveyed that universities should not be seen as revenue generators.

He highlighted that the fees paid by students are intended to facilitate their proper education, not to generate income.

During the meeting held from November 11th to 12th, 2023, ASUU discussed various issues affecting Nigerian universities.

Osodeke urged the government to exclude universities from the entities required to remit 40% of their IGR.

ALSO READ

• BREAKING: CBN declares old naira notes as permanent legal tender
• ID Cabasa, renowned music producer says Nigeria raising generation of depressed people
• ‘Will Smith is gay’- Bilaal, former actor’s assistant alleges (VIDEO)

The statement conveyed ASUU’s stance, stating, “The NEC strongly opposes the recent directive mandating Federal Universities to remit 40% of their Internally Generated Funds to the government. This directive is condemned entirely as it would further impoverish and weaken the Nigerian university system.”

The union emphasized that universities’ primary aim is education, not revenue generation. ASUU called for reconsideration by government bodies to exempt universities from the category of revenue-generating institutions, stressing the potential adverse effects on education accessibility and affordability in the country.

Additionally, ASUU expressed dissatisfaction with the Accountant General’s office for withholding promotion arrears since 2018, further exacerbating the financial struggles of its members.

The union also urged the Federal Government to release the eight months’ withheld salaries of members due to a strike action in 2022, as a step towards resolving pending issues.

ASUU also raised concerns about ongoing victimization and challenges faced by its members in several universities, including the Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Ambrose Alli University Ekpoma, Kogi State University, Anyigba, Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, Lagos State University, Ojo, among others.