Inability To Afford Quality Healthcare Led To Prof Oyero’s Death-ASUU

The Academic Staff Union of Universities(ASUU) Abuja Zone, has stated that one of its members, an eminent Professor of Fisheries, Johnson Oyero of the Federal University of Technology, Minna died due to inability to afford a quality medical healthcare two days ago.

The zonal coordinator (ASUU) Abuja zone, Salahu Muhammed who made this known in a statement on Monday, stated that 46 members of the zone also lost their lives owing to the economic hardship in the country alongside poor remuneration of academics and unfavourable working conditions.

The Abuja zone of the Union comprises, the University of Abuja, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Federal University, Lafia, Nasarawa State University, Nasarawa, and the Ibrahim Babaginda University, Lapai.

“It is also worthy of note that the union has lost several members during the period under review due to herculean working conditions, psychological and emotional stress, and diseases related to these conditions. For instance, universities in the Abuja zone have lost 46 members.

“In fact, just two days back, the union lost an eminent Professor of Fisheries, Johnson Oyero of the Federal University of Technology, Minna due to inability to afford a quality medical facility,” the statement said.

The statement also said that in the last decade, more Nigerian academics have left the country in droves in search of greener pastures, thereby overworking the ones that remain in the system.

It said that the union was also appalled by the failure of the Tinubu-led administration to honour some of the commitments it made with the union in a bid to avert potential industrial actions in universities.

The statement also urged the government to revisit all past agreements immediately and ensure that they are fulfilled.

“In conclusion, the union is calling on all well-meaning Nigerians to prevail on the Federal Government of Nigeria to live up to its expectations on the following: Conclude, sign, and immediately implement the Prof. Nimi Briggs’ committee renegotiated agreement.

“Immediate payment of all withheld salaries, release of promotion arrears, and Earned Academic Allowances.

“Immediate implementation of salary award (25 percent and 35 percent) and payment of its arrears from January 2023 to date in order to avoid backlogs; Federal and State governments should stop the proliferation of universities and Immediate implementation of exemption of universities from the IPPIS,” the statement said.