The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) in the Calabar Zone has strongly opposed the Federal Government's proposed Student Education Loan, calling it a strategy to enslave Nigerian students and keep them perpetually indebted.
During a press conference in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, on Monday, Zonal Chairperson Dr. Happiness Uduk expressed dismay that individuals who benefited from scholarships, meal subsidies, and bursaries are now implementing such harsh policies. She emphasized that ASUU will continue to oppose these measures.
In a statement co-signed by the eight union Chairpersons, Uduk argued that instead of providing loans for education, the Federal Government should invest the funds in higher education institutions. This, she said, would transform these institutions into self-reliant entities with highly subsidized education.
Uduk also called on the Federal Government to renegotiate and adjust the agreement between ASUU and the Prof. Nimi Briggs-led Government committee to reflect current economic realities and establish a fair salary structure for university lecturers.
Additionally, Uduk criticized the indiscriminate establishment of universities without adequate funding, urging the government to implement the 2020 ASUU-FGN Memorandum of Action, which advocates for reviewing the NUC Act to prevent the reckless creation of new universities.
Regarding the ongoing minimum wage negotiations, ASUU Calabar Zone urged the Federal Government to use collective bargaining to finalize discussions, which would help improve Nigerians' socio-economic conditions.
Uduk also called for a critical review of policies and programs from international lenders like the World Bank and IMF to restore Nigeria's sovereignty and public confidence.
