The Chairman, Academic Staff of Universities, University of Ibadan Chapter, Professor Ayoola Akinwole on Tuesday urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and State Governors to prioritize the welfare and working conditions of Nigerian workers
He noted that the socio-economic situation in Nigeria, the post fuel subsidy removal backlash, and current fuel scarcity affect the working class and their families adversely.
Professor Akinwole, in a release to mark the 2024 May Day celebration, noted that Nigerian workers continue to contribute to the development of Nigeria despite being undervalued and underpaid by the various levels of governments, including private organisations.
“Nigerians, particularly the working class, are celebrating 2024 workers’ day experiencing fuel scarcity. Workers who are poorly paid will still have to pay hiked transportation fare. The inflation in Nigeria is killing, and many are getting malnourished as the cost of food items have skyrocketed”
According to the ASUU boss, the 2024 worker’s day is a reminder to the unfulfilled promises of the federal and state governments on improving the poor wages and working conditions of the Nigerian workers.”
Professor Akinwole noted that it is inconceivable that those in government exploit their states’ resources while some even loot for their unborn children while workers are left pauperised.
While thanking the Nigerian security forces for their efforts to make Nigeria safer, the ASUU boss called on President Bola Tinubu to ensure special welfare package for families of those who have lost their lives while defending Nigeria.
Like other sectors such as education, Professor Akinwole said that the welfare of security agencies should be paramount to the president, who is the commander in chief of Nigerian Armed Forces.
Professor Akinwole then tasked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to conclude agreements with ASUU and improve the working conditions for the intellectual community in Nigeria.
This, if done, will reduce the latest trend where brilliant Nigerians are running away from taking lecturing jobs in Nigerian universities.
According to Akinwole, if this continues, those Nigeria needs to develop the education sector, which will leave the country while those without the requisite skills will gain employment with little to offer.
Akinwole asked the president to address the drift and jointly approve a living wage and improved working conditions for lecturers in public universities in Nigeria noting that Nigeria lecturers who are yet to run to Europe or countries in the global North are the last set of patriots who deserves special salaries and better working conditions.
