Abuja: University of Jos Chapter of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has rejected the Federal Government’s loan scheme for university lecturers and other workers in tertiary institutions. Prof. Jurbe Molwus, the chairman of the union in the university, made this announcement during a press conference on Tuesday in Jos.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the Federal Government announced the Tertiary Institutions Staff Support Fund about two weeks ago. The government describes the initiative as a welfare and empowerment scheme designed for both academic and non-academic staff in Nigeria’s tertiary institutions. Dr. Tunji Alausa, the Minister of Education, mentioned that the fund addresses the welfare and professional growth needs of the workforce in these institutions.
Prof. Molwus expressed concerns over the loan scheme, labeling it as a ‘trap’ and a ‘poisoned chalice’. He urged union members to avoid the scheme. He emphasized that union members already have access to loans and are significantly indebted due to them. Molwus insisted that what the union needs is the implementation of the 2009 agreement with the government. He argued that fulfilling this agreement would enhance their purchasing power and reduce dependence on loans from cooperative societies.
Touching on the peaceful protests conducted by ASUU members across university campuses, Molwus stated that these actions are intended to urge the government to resolve ongoing issues. He called on President Bola Tinubu to directly engage with ASUU leadership to hear their concerns firsthand.
