Ibadan University Teachers Union Urges Action Against Banditry
The Ibadan Zone of the University Teachers Union has called upon President Bola Tinubu and governors in the South West to take immediate action to curb the rising tide of banditry and kidnappings in the region. The union made this plea during a press conference attended by representatives from several institutions, including the University of Ibadan, University of Ilorin, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Osun State University, Kwara State University, and Emmanuel Alayande College of Education.
Concerns Over Unfulfilled Agreements
In remarks delivered in Ibadan, Professor Biodun Olaniran, the Zonal Coordinator, expressed disappointment regarding the failure of various state governments to honor agreements made with the federal authorities. He emphasized that this lack of compliance has left union members feeling frustrated and disillusioned.
Demand for Government Accountability
Olaniran urged both President Tinubu and South West governors to act decisively to prevent bandits from infiltrating the region and to eliminate instances of kidnapping. He underscored the urgency of the situation, cautioning that the ongoing neglect of these issues poses a significant threat to security and stability.
Partial Progress in Salary Agreements
The union leader noted some positive developments, commending the administrations of the University of Ibadan, Osun State University, and the University of Ilorin for beginning to implement parts of the salary components of the 2025 FGN-ASUU agreement. However, he criticized the government for failing to show genuine commitment to resolving the ongoing crisis within Nigeria’s higher education sector.
Rising Tensions Over Non-Implementation
Olaniran warned that the continued failure to fully implement the 2025 FGN-ASUU agreement could trigger industrial unrest in universities across the country. He pointed out that while some financial provisions—such as the Integrated Academic Tools Allowance—have been addressed, crucial components like the Acquired Academic Proficiency Allowance remain neglected. In some cases, certain elements of the agreement have gone unpaid for nearly four months.
Call for Monitoring Committee
The coalition highlighted that the federal government has yet to form an Implementation Monitoring Committee to oversee the agreement’s execution. This body is critical to ensuring that the implementation process is free from bureaucratic hurdles and that all parties adhere to the terms of the signed agreements.
Education Minister’s Political Maneuvering Criticized
ASUU accused Education Minister Tunji Alausa of politicizing the signed agreements, suggesting that his focus has been more on political gains than on creating sustainable solutions to the ongoing implementation crisis. In the face of escalating security challenges, the union implored both federal and state leaders in the South West to take a firmer stance against the surge in kidnappings.
Urgency of Addressing Security Concerns
The current security landscape, which has increasingly spread from the northern regions to encompass the South West, has raised alarms within ASUU. Olaniran stated that the toll on human life and development due to banditry and kidnapping is intolerable. He cited a recent incident involving the kidnapping of teachers and students in Oyo State as emblematic of the dangers facing Nigerians. He urged leaders to move beyond superficial reassurances and adopt policies that genuinely prioritize human welfare.
