By Nsan Ndoma-Neji
Academic Staff of Union of Universities (ASUU), University of Cross River State branch has demanded for regular salary payment, calling for an end to misuse of TETFUND Monies that ought to be for researches and development in UNICROSS.
The union leadership made the demands during a solidarity rally for national leadership of ASUU which took place at UNICROSS main campus Tuesday in Calabar.
Speaking on the issue, Chairman of ASUU- UNICROSS branch, Dr. Patrick Ushie, stated that in as much as they are in solidarity with their members at the national level who are said to be maltreated by the federal government, back home, the union is calling for regular payment of salaries and respect for TETFUND Act.
READ ALSO: Cross River State Diaspora Commission Unveils Programmes to Boost Investment, Culture, Education
Other demands made by UNICROSS ASUU branch chairman for his members include immediate signing and implementation of the draft renegotiated 2009 agreement.
Ushie called for domestication and implementation of agreement by respective Visitors of state-owned universities, release of 31/2 months outstanding salaries of members and payment of the third-party deductions by IPPIS.
The union also demanded payment of promotion arrears, implementation of mainstreamed EAA in all lecturers’ salaries, removal of threats to university autonomy and academic freedom.
The chairman called for review of the NUC Act to accommodate some of the lapses, end to the victimization of ASUU members in Kogi State University (now Prince Abubakar Audu University), Lagos State University and Federal University of Technology, Owerri.
The institution of a Governing Council at the AKSU and the domestication of the 70-year retirement age policy in that institution.
They demanded for regularization of retirement benefits and payment of Earned Academic Allowances at ABSU and EBSU.
“We re-echo these demands in the conviction that solidarity is not about pretending our situations are
identical but is about standing together so that progress anywhere becomes progress everywhere.
“As the adage states: One hand washes the other and together they wash the face,” ASUU branch chairman maintained.
