FG To Begin Payment Of 8-Month Salary To ASUU Faction

The President Muhammadu Buhari-led government has commenced the payment of the eight-month salary backlog to lecturers under the Congress of University Academics (CONUA).

Naija News recalls that CONUA, which broke away from the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), was recognised by the Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige.

The decision of the Federal Government to pay members of CONUA is coming days after the government paid members of ASUU half their October salary and denied them their eight-month salary.

The development saw the National Executive Council of ASUU fix Monday for an emergency meeting to address the issue.

Meanwhile, a member of CONUA and lecturer at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife who spoke on condition of anonymity said they have gotten hints from Ngige that they would be paid.

He said Ngige also noted that the issue of half salaries paid to them would be resolved.

The CONUA official said, “We were not part of the last strike. We had earlier written to the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment. So, the minister has looked into our letter, and he has directed accordingly.”

The spokesman of the Minister, Olajide Oshundun, while confirming the report said CONUA members that joined the eight-month strike would be affected by the policy of No-work-no-pay’.

He said, “What I can tell you authoritatively as a spokesperson is that, the policy of ‘No-work-no-pay’ remains. It has not changed because it is a constitutional matter. It is equally recognised by the Charter of ILO, that when people go on strike, they cannot be paid.

“So, if CONUA did not go on strike, they’re entitled to their money. But if they participated in the strike, they too will not be paid. If they were not on strike, legally and conditionally, they are entitled to their pay. I’m looking at it from the point of law.”