At the University of Jos, members of ASUU staged a protest and publicly rejected the Federal Government’s newly introduced Tertiary Institution Staff Support Fund loan scheme. Speaking during the demonstration, the ASUU branch chairman, Joseph Molwus, criticised the initiative, describing it as a “poison chalice” that would worsen the financial burdens of lecturers rather than relieve them.
Molwus argued that lecturers do not need loans but rather the payment of their withheld salaries, allowances, and arrears, which the government has yet to fulfil. He questioned why academics should be expected to borrow money to meet basic needs like healthcare and school fees while outstanding entitlements remain unpaid.
ASUU insisted that the government should instead release funds to clear all pending obligations, including earned academic allowances, promotion arrears, revitalisation funds, wage awards, and unremitted third-party deductions.
The union also voiced frustration over the stalled renegotiation of the 2009 FGN-ASUU agreement, accusing the government of abandoning collective bargaining. Molwus warned that the current inaction threatens the fragile peace in universities and could lead to another nationwide strike.
He reminded the public of President Tinubu’s 2022 campaign promise to prevent strikes in the education sector, expressing disappointment that two years into his administration, the core issues remain unresolved. ASUU called on the president to personally intervene and engage with the union to prevent a fresh crisis.
