A group, the Society for Youths and the Downthrodden, SOYD, has condemned the proposed plan by the Federal Government to increase the salaries and allowances of protesting university lecturers.
In a press release issued yesterday by the President of SOYD, Comrade Gabriel Ogwuche, stated that the proposal has clearly revealed that the present National Economic Teams in Nigeria was completely ignorant of the current position of the Nigeria Economy that was already at the brink of total collapse due to consumption expenditures.
Ogwuche said, “we are by this medium expressing our displeasure with the proposed arrangements by the federal government to increase the salary and allowances of the protesting lecturers and call on the government to stay action on the plan in the interest of peace and Nigeria Economy.
“The proposal is unacceptable, condemnable and could destroy the future of the Nigeria economy. How can the government that have enormous power that it derived from the constitution through people`s mandate allow itself under pressure and intimidations by a section of individuals to take decision against the interest of the nation.
“This is unfortunate. The proposed plan clearly revealed that the present National Economic Teams in Nigeria is completely ignorant of the current position of the Nigeria Economy that is already at the brink of total collapse due to consumption expenditures.”
He explained that “Nigeria is one of the countries that have the highest number of academicians and professors without research works to address any problems. Many countries of the world generates up to 30 per cent of its national revenue through academic research and development strategy but in Nigeria, the reverse is the case with academic sector`s over dependence on our shrinking economy.
“The continued ASUU strike clearly explains the extent of decay of our university value system and this have to stop permanently because it constitute national embarrassment.
“The government will be held responsible for this unwarranted actions if it failed to properly check and bring it under control as a matter of urgency.”
He said that “according to the international best practices, the only national strikes that are justifiable among tertiary academic unions are those organised against the government`s failure to release fund for investment in research and development, and not for any financial remunerations/allowance of their members. We urge ASUU and members to accede to this standard from henceforth in order to develop Nigeria.
“At the moment, Nigeria economy is sinking due to the burden of huge consumption orientation and therefore, any monetary demand on government by any organised unions will worsen the situation, if favourably considered. Firstly, we need to give value to our Naira by reducing consumption expenditures and investing to save the situation.”
Whilst calling on the ASUU to immediately call off the strike and direct its members to resume work, he urged the Federal Government to invest in research and development for sustainable economic future and prosperity of the education sector.
