University workers in Nigeria mobilize to demand salary increase
Recent news in Nigeria has been marked by demands by university workers for a salary increase. The President of the Association of University Scholars (ASUU) at the Federal University of Technology, Minna, Gbolahan Bolarin, confirmed that payments have started being made, ending a period of withholding of salaries.
The move follows President Tinubu’s approval in October 2023 to release four months of the eight months’ salaries that were withheld during the tenure of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
The withholding of salaries was a consequence of the “No work, no pay” policy invoked by the Buhari administration against some university unions during an eight-month strike in 2022.
Additionally, Minister of Education Tahir Mamman revealed that the government implemented a 35% increase in the salaries of university workers, in response to their demands.
This mobilization of university workers to improve their salary conditions underlines the importance for the education sector to be supported and valued. It is essential to recognize the essential role that these professionals play in society, and to ensure that they receive fair and equitable remuneration.