The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) branch at the University of Benin (UNIBEN) recently announced the withdrawal of its services from the postgraduate program of the university. This move is aimed at emphasizing their demand for the payment of overdue entitlements related to postgraduate teaching and supervision.
The decision to withdraw services stems from the university management's failure to settle outstanding payments owed to staff members involved in the postgraduate program. ASUU (UNIBEN) held a congress on June 14, 2024, where it was resolved that all members cease their involvement in the postgraduate program until their demands are met.
The union has directed its members to discontinue postgraduate teaching, supervision, seminars, examinations, and board meetings until all earned honoraria are fully paid. Additionally, ASUU UNIBEN seeks to negotiate a clear structure for the administration and remuneration of academic staff in the postgraduate program with the university administration.
The lecturers have vowed to sustain the strike action until all outstanding entitlements are settled. They emphasize that their demands cover all postgraduate activities conducted during the tenure of the current Vice-Chancellor, Prof Lilian Salami, to prevent future interruptions in the postgraduate program due to accumulated unpaid entitlements.
A source within the union, speaking anonymously, stated that they have the support of the national leadership of ASUU. They underscore the importance of standing up for their rights, especially in challenging socio-economic conditions.
Efforts to reach the Public Relations Officer of UNIBEN, Dr. Benedicta Ehanire, were unsuccessful. However, a source close to the Vice-Chancellor assured that efforts are underway to resolve all outstanding entitlements related to the postgraduate program.
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