84 lecturers died in three months waiting for unpaid salaries – ASUU

Eighty-four university lecturers have lost their lives owing to the refusal of the the Federal Government to pay their salaries, the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, has said.

ASUU disclosed that the deceased lecturers died between May and August 2024 amid the worsening economic hardship in the country.

The President of the union, Prof Emmanuel Osodeke, made this known on Channels Television’s socio-political programme ‘Inside Sources’ with Laolu Akande.

He said, “In the past three months, from May to August (2024), Nigerian universities lost 84 academics to death. In three months, because of what our people are going through.

“Despite this crisis, you are holding somebody’s three-and-half or more salaries on the no-work, no-pay, you are owing this money. People are trying to survive, you introduced fuel increase, you introduced electricity increase, and everything is gone now.”

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The President of the ASUU demanded more funding for university education in Nigeria, noting that the sector can only function optimally if lecturers are incentivized and motivated.

He revealed that he earns N420,000 per month despite being a professor for 15 years.

According to him, Nigerian lecturers can’t compete globally if they are paid poorly.

Recall that on September 25, 2024, ASUU issued the Federal Government a 14-day ultimatum to resolve several lingering issues including the conclusion of the renegotiation of the 2009 FGN/ASUU Agreement as well as the release of withheld salaries due to the 2022 industrial action.

In 2022, academic and non-academic unions in Nigeria embarked on an eight-month strike to press home some of their demands including a better welfare package.

The administration of then President Muhammadu Buhari subsequently invoked a ‘no work, no pay policy’ against the unions but President Bola Tinubu, in October 2023, approved the release of four of the about eight months withheld salaries.

84 lecturers died in three months waiting for unpaid salaries – ASUU

Wike initiated plots to destabilise Rivers — Ex-Commissioner

A former commissioner for information in Rivers state, Austin Tam-George, has expressed disappointment in Nyesom Wike, minister of the federal capital territory (FCT) over alleged attempts to destabilize the state.

Tam-George shared his thoughts on Channel Television’s “Morning Brief” on Monday, reflecting on his 2017 resignation under Wike’s governorship.

Wike governed Rivers from 2015 to 2023 and has been at odds with Governor Siminalayi Fubara for nearly a year.

The feud escalated more ahead of local government elections, prompting Tam-George to urge Wike to prioritize his ministerial duties.

Tam-George noted Wike’s focus should be on the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), particularly addressing its struggling public schools.

Instead, Wike’s actions are met with resistance from Rivers people, who want Governor Fubara to implement effective administration.

Tam-George appealed to Wike to let Governor Fubara do his job, saying, “For God’s sake, let us allow Governor Fubara to do his work.”

Wike initiated plots to destabilise Rivers — Ex-Commissioner

Female sex worker allegedly stabs man to death in Lekki

A tragic incident occurred in the early hours of Monday at Jakande Housing Estate, Lekki, where a 48-year-old man, identified as Okafor, was fatally stabbed in his home.

Reports suggest that the stabbing was carried out by a female sex worker whom he had invited over.

The attack reportedly took place around 5:32 a.m. According to police reports, a friend of the deceased received a phone call from another acquaintance informing him about the attack.

Confirming the incident, Lagos State Police spokesperson Benjamin Hundeyin said, “The suspect, identified as Joy Kelvin, allegedly stabbed Okafor during their time together overnight.”

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“Following the attack, the victim was immediately rushed to the General Hospital in Marina, Lagos. However, he was pronounced dead upon arrival by the doctor on duty.”

Explaining further, Hundeyin said, “Upon receiving the report at about 7:20 a.m., detectives from Ilasan Division promptly arrived at the crime scene, took photographs, and conducted initial investigations. The body of the deceased has been evacuated and deposited at the General Hospital Morgue in Yaba for preservation and autopsy.”

“The suspect, Joy Kelvin, has since been taken into police custody, and efforts are underway to notify the deceased’s family members. A thorough investigation is ongoing to ascertain the full circumstances surrounding the tragic event,” he added.

Female sex worker allegedly stabs man to death in Lekki