NASU wants President Tinubu to address the challenges of insecurity, corruption, a hike in electricity tariffs, and the unpaid four months salary of University unions. Photo: Sola Rotimi/Radio Nigeria
The Non-Academic Staff Union of Education and Associated Institutions, NASU has called on the President Bola Tinubu led administration to sufficiently fund the education sector for institutions in Nigeria to attain a global standard.
The Trade Group Chairman and Deputy President, NASU, Comrade Buhari Suleiman, made the call in an address at the Quadrennial Delegates Conference and Election of the Universities and Inter University Centres Trade Group Council, held at the University of Ilorin, Kwara State.
Comrade Buhari stressed the need for the government to increase budgetary allocation to the education sector. “As the year 2023 allocation of 8.2 % fell below the UNESCO recommended threshold of 26% of the country’s annual budget.”
Comrade Buhari noted that the tough decision and announcement of subsidy removal at the inauguration ceremony of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu as President posed an instant and challenging impact on the lives of Nigerians.
“The effect has been excruciating, and the impact, drastic. The price of petrol has increased by over 300 percent and has affected all aspects of the economy, such as transportation, food, health care among others.”
In an address, the NASU National President, Dr Hassan Makolo, said there was need for members to remain united and uphold the potency of the union’s constitution.
In goodwill address, Mrs Racheal Adeoye who represented Kwara State Controller of Labour and Employment, Alhaji Yusuf Raufu, urged the union to partner the government in its policies and performances, especially at this critical point of the country’s economic journey.
The Vice Chancellor, University of Ilorin, Professor Abdulwahab Egbewole, in her remark, noted that no country can make progress without addressing the issues of its education.
Professor Egbewole urged the union members to reach positive resolutions at the end of the meeting and election of new members.
Reporting by Sola Rotimi; Editing by Chinasa Ossai and Julian Osamoto