The Plateau State branch of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU-PLASU) on Tuesday, August 26, held a protest at the Plateau State University, Bokkos, to demand the immediate implementation of both the 2009 FGN-ASUU agreement and their local agreements with the Plateau State Government, warning that industrial action may be inevitable if grievances are ignored.

In solidarity the protesters marched with placards bearing inscriptions such as: “Fulfill the ASUU-PLASU/State Government signed agreement,” “End the victimization of our colleagues,” “Retirement is not a death sentence,” “Pay our November outstanding minimum wage and wage award,” “We demand immediate enrollment into the state health insurance scheme,” and “We say no to TISSF-Loan; we demand our legitimate earnings.”

Plateau Branch Raises Alarm

Chairperson of ASUU-PLASU, Dr. Monday Hassan Zitta, while addressing journalists, said the rally was necessary to draw attention to neglect of lecturers’ welfare and disregard for agreements at both federal and state levels.

“Our members teach on empty stomachs, conduct research without journals or laboratory resources, and still face ridicule for being blamed over unemployable graduates,” he said. “This is not sustainable. Successive governments have toyed with collective bargaining, and the 2009 FGN-ASUU Agreement remains abandoned more than a decade later. Enough is enough.”

On the specific challenges facing PLASU, Dr. Zitta faulted the university management for allegedly undermining earlier agreements with the union.

“We agreed with the state government that twenty million naira should be set aside monthly to cater for Earned Academic Allowances. Unfortunately, management unilaterally slashed it to ten million using a template they claimed was from NUC. This is not only demoralizing but a recipe for disharmony in our university,” he stated.

He added that unresolved issues also include:

1. Clarifications on pension deduction funds
2. Clarifications on gratuity funds management
3. Postgraduate remuneration
4. Staff Quarters.
5. Road Network
6. Bus for Academic Staff.
7. Health insurance.
8. Power (electricity)

Despite his criticism, Zitta emphasized the union’s willingness to discussions .“We remain open for dialogue that will lead to academic stability, but we cannot accept actions that endanger the progress of Plateau State University, The time to act is now,” he warned.

National Leadership in Solidarity

National President of ASUU, Professor Chris Piwuna, who joined the protest, commended the Plateau branch for amplifying both local and national concerns.

“ASUU is one family—there is no state or federal ASUU. The plight of PLASU academics is the plight of every member,” he declared. “We are ready to sit with government, but if they remain indifferent, we are equally ready for action. If they don’t move, we will move.”

He further cautioned the government against neglecting education. “Professor Fafunwa once said, ‘If you think education is expensive, try ignorance.’ Decades later, ignorance has produced insecurity, unemployment, and poverty. If Nigeria is to develop, the government must take education seriously,” Piwuna stressed.

Piwuna, however, acknowledged progress by the university administration. “We thank PLASU management for starting the mainstreaming of allowances, but it must be done with the correct template. We appreciate the fence around this campus, but we demand more. Our fight is not against universities—it is for their survival.”

VC Joins Protest

In a rare show of support, the Vice Chancellor of Plateau State University, Professor Shadrack Gaya Best, joined the protest march, a gesture that drew applause from both branch and national leaders.

Prof. Piwuna praised his presence:

“For the Vice Chancellor to carry our placard when many government officials are running away from us, it shows courage. We will fight him when necessary, but today he has stood with us, and we appreciate that solidarity.”

Dr. Zitta also acknowledged the VC’s efforts in sustaining cordial relations.

“Since assuming office, he has kept his word on prompt payment dates and cleared outstanding non-academic allowances, except for November arrears. While we still have issues to resolve, we commend his openness,” the ASUU-PLASU chairperson noted.

Responding, Prof. Best reiterated that his administration does not withhold entitlements of staff.

“We do not sit on anything that belongs to our staff. As long as resources are available, we will facilitate and not obstruct. The future need not be turbulent; it should be one of dialogue, understanding, and progress for our university system,” he assured.