The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has accused the Federal Government of insincerity in its approach to collective bargaining and the welfare of university lecturers.

The Union said the government’s actions showed a lack of regard for tertiary education.

ASUU Chairman at the University of Ibadan (UI), Dr. Adefemi Afolabi, made the allegation while speaking on a radio programme, Situation Room, monitored yesterday by our correspondent.

The union leader said the government’s handling of issues affecting lecturers in public universities reflected a disregard for intellectuals and the future of education in the country.

Afolabi condemned the government’s delay in signing the renegotiated draft agreement reached by the Yayale Ahmed-led committee, more than eight months ago, describing it as a deliberate tactic to frustrate the union.

ASUU, he noted, was forced to embark on its ongoing two-week warning strike to protest the government’s nonchalance and breach of collective bargaining principles.

“The government took us for granted for over eight months. We waited patiently, held protests, and sensitized Nigerians, yet instead of signing the draft agreement, the government came up with another committee to start the process afresh. That is a clear waste of time and resources,” Afolabi said.

The ASUU leader decried what he called the government’s inconsistency and failure to act on the recommendations of its committees.

He said this had deepened the hardship of lecturers, who now struggle with poor remuneration amid rising living costs.

“We don’t work in an ideal environment. Yet, we are poorly rewarded. Lecturers can hardly afford transportation to work, and even when they do, many can’t concentrate due to unmet needs,” Afolabi said.

“Professors are resigning and relocating abroad, while first-class graduates no longer show interest in teaching. These developments spell danger for the future of Nigeria’s university system.”

According to him, ASUU’s agitation is not just for improved welfare but also for adequate funding and revitalization of public universities in the interest of the children of the masses. (The Nation)