Olayiwola Matthew
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has said that it is deeply concerned about the poor pension package for its retired members.
The National President of the union, Prof. Christopher Piwuna, made the remark at a news conference in Jos on Thursday.
Piwuna said that it was particularly disturbing that the introduction of the Contributory Pension Scheme in 2024 negatively impacted on the welfare package of its retired members.
“Our retired colleagues continue to bear the brunt of government’s unpopular policies, manifesting in the galloping inflation and rising cost of electricity, transportation, housing, food, and medication, amongst others.
“We are not pleased with the situation, where those who fought for the sustenance of our universities will be treated with disdain.
“A situation where a senior academic, who served for over 40 years ends up with a N150,000 monthly salary is unacceptable in the current economic realities.
“Many of our retired colleagues are battling chronic conditions, taking care of their spouses, caring for their children and grand children with a paltry amount as pension,” he said.
The ASUU boss said that the union’s position for a university-based pension fund administration was to address such existing anomaly.
He called on the Federal Government to reverse the trend towards a better welfare package for retired lecturers.