The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has denied claims by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, that the Federal Government released ₦23 billion to clear salary and promotion arrears owed to university workers.
In a statement signed by the University of Jos ASUU chairperson, Prof. Jurbe Joseph Molwus, the union described the minister’s comments as “misleading,” insisting no staff member has received any payment.
“As we speak, university workers have yet to get any alerts. The minister’s claim of clearing backlogs exists only in his imagination,” Molwus said.
ASUU also expressed disappointment over what it called the government’s slow response to its demands, two weeks after issuing a four-week ultimatum. It said withheld salaries, wage award arrears, promotion arrears, and the promised ₦50 billion revitalisation fund remain unpaid.
Molwus questioned the minister’s figures, arguing that the alleged ₦2.3 billion set aside for arrears could not cover the needs of even three major universities.
“What we need are credit alerts, not press statements. The amount being claimed is grossly inadequate,” he said.
The union warned that if the government fails to meet its demands before the ultimatum expires on November 21, it may resume its suspended strike.
ASUU called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene and appoint officials who understand the realities facing public universities, saying only genuine engagement can prevent another disruption in the academic calendar.
