UNIOSUN ASUU Criticises Federal Government Over Non-Payment of 35% Salary Increment

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Osun State University (UNIOSUN) chapter, has expressed deep dissatisfaction with the Federal Government over its failure to implement and pay the 25–35 percent salary increase promised to university lecturers and other categories of academic staff since January 2024.

In a statement released on Monday, the union described the government’s attitude as disappointing and insensitive, stressing that the non-payment of the approved increment has further plunged lecturers into financial hardship at a time when the cost of living is steadily rising across the country.

According to the UNIOSUN ASUU leadership, the wage adjustment was part of palliative measures announced by the Federal Government to cushion the economic impact of the fuel subsidy removal and inflation.

However, despite repeated assurances, lecturers in many universities are yet to receive the increment, while arrears have continued to accumulate.

The union accused the government of failing to honour its own directives, noting that the selective and delayed implementation of the policy was a breach of trust that could worsen the already fragile relationship between university workers and the government.

“It is disheartening that after months of promises, our members have not seen the impact of this so-called increment in their pay. The Federal Government must come clean and release all arrears without delay,” the statement read in part.
Growing Discontent in Universities Nationwide

The UNIOSUN ASUU’s outcry reflects a wider grievance across public universities, as several ASUU chapters have raised similar concerns. The national body of ASUU has, in recent weeks, issued stern warnings to the government, insisting that the refusal to fully implement the new salary structure could lead to fresh rounds of industrial action.

Union leaders argue that lecturers, who play a crucial role in shaping Nigeria’s human capital, cannot continue to be subjected to economic deprivation while being expected to deliver quality education under harsh conditions.

FG’s Position and Delays
The Federal Government, through the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission, had last year approved an upward salary review of between 25 and 35 percent for workers in consolidated salary structures, including those in the university system. Officials have maintained that the policy is in effect but have cited technical and administrative bottlenecks as reasons for the delayed payments to some categories of workers.

However, ASUU chapters, including UNIOSUN’s, insist that excuses are no longer tenable and that government must demonstrate sincerity by crediting the accounts of all affected staff and ensuring uniform implementation across the university system.

Threat of Disruption
The UNIOSUN branch of ASUU warned that the continued neglect of the issue could disrupt academic activities in the institution and across the country.

The union stressed that staff morale is already low, and if left unresolved, the matter could snowball into a national crisis with serious consequences for students, parents, and the education sector at large.

The chapter therefore called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and relevant ministries to urgently intervene, release all outstanding arrears, and open genuine dialogue with ASUU to restore confidence and avert looming disruptions in the academic calendar.