The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) University of Benin (UNIBEN) chapter has withdrawn its services from the postgraduate programme of the institution with immediate effect.
Reports said the decision, which was taken on Sunday, is not unconnected with efforts to press home their demand for payment of outstanding entitlements for postgraduate teaching and supervision.
Reports further said that the indebtedness was incurred by the current UNIBEN administration, which winds up in December 2024.
The University ASUU Congress met on June 14, 2024, and resolved that all its members withdraw their involvement/participation in the postgraduate programme of the University of Benin with immediate effect.
“Arising from the above, all members of ASUU UNIBEN have been directed to immediately cease to engage/participate/be involved in postgraduate teaching, postgraduate supervision, postgraduate seminars, postgraduate examinations, and postgraduate board meetings until all the already earned honoraria for postgraduate teaching, postgraduate supervision and postgraduate internal examination owed within the tenure of the current University Administration are fully paid.
“A clearly defined structure for the administration and remuneration of academic staff in the postgraduate programme is negotiated and agreed between the Administration of the University of Benin and ASUU UNIBEN.”
The lecturers vowed to sustain the strike action on all postgraduate programs of the University to press home their demand for payment of all outstanding entitlements.
A member of the Union, who craved anonymity, said they have the backing of the national leadership of the union.
He further disclosed that the demands cover all postgraduate teaching and supervision done throughout the tenure of the current Vice-Chancellor, Prof Lilian Salami.
“If we do not stand up for ourselves, especially in this very harsh and excruciating socio-economic climate, no one will. The labourer is worthy of his wages,@ the source
The institution’s Public Relations Officer (PRO), Dr. Benedicta Ehanire, could not be reached for comment.
