The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has reaffirmed its stance on the establishment of a university-based Pension Fund Administration (PFA), arguing that the peculiarities of the academic system are not adequately addressed by existing pension administrators.

The union maintains that a dedicated PFA will better serve the interests of university staff, ensure transparency, and protect the long-term welfare of its members.

This insistence comes amid ongoing tensions with the federal government over broader issues affecting the tertiary education sector.

Christopher Piwuna, the president of ASUU, in a statement made available to journalists recently, emphasised that the insistence of the union on the establishment of a university-based pension fund administration was part of efforts to guarantee the welfare of their members and other workers in the university system at retirement.

“However, our union is not pleased with the level of commitment to the welfare of lecturers who retired since the commencement of the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) in 2024.

Our retired colleagues continue to bear the brunt of the government’s anti-people’s policies, manifesting in galloping inflation at 21.88 per cent and rising cost of electricity, transportation, housing, communication, food and medication.

“We will no longer tolerate a situation where those who fought for the sustenance of the universities will be treated with such disdain,” the statement reads.

ASUU reiterated that the union members can no longer tolerate a situation where a senior academic who has served for over 40 years ends up with a monthly salary of N150,000, which the lecturers’ union described as unacceptable and cruel in the current economic realities.

“Our retired colleagues are battling chronic health conditions and caring for children they have trained beyond a university degree, but they remain unemployed.

“Our retired colleagues are taking care of their spouses, children and grandchildren, with a paltry amount as pension. The government must reverse this ugly trend,” ASUU noted.

Meanwhile, the union insists on the renegotiation of the 2009 agreement, or it would be left with no option but to go on strike.

“The government made promises on these issues. Regrettably, we are here today to inform the Nigerian public, through you, that these undisputed issues could lead to a crisis in our educational sector, as with other consequences, nothing but the same response. Re-negotiating the 2009 Agreement.

“We will like to state for the untempt time, that “Time is Running Out” , and for the avoidance of doubt, this draft document addresses issues like conditions of service, university autonomy, academic freedom, funding of the universities and review of laws governing JAMB, NUC,” the statement read in part.

ASUU said that with the attack on its members’ salaries by the introduction of loans for staff, the union is prepared for all options at the next meeting to be convened as soon as they get feedback on the meeting convened by the Minister of Education.

“NEC will, therefore, be decisive on the outcome of the meeting. We are determined to end the pronouncements by the government claiming commitment to sound university education and fidelity to collective agreement,” ASUU stated.

The union stressed that trust has been destroyed by the government; hence, it is up to the government to regain it to avert any strike.

“We therefore wish to caution the government to return to this principle in addressing the issues in our draft agreement.

“Well-meaning Nigerians should advise the government not to stampede us into any action,” ASUU emphasised. (BusinessDay)