The Academic Staff Union of Universities chapters at the University of Ibadan and Ladoke Akintola University of Technology have issued a stern call to the Federal Government, demanding the return of union funds deducted from their salaries during the recent strike action.

Addressing journalists after staging protests against government inaction, Professor Ayo Akinwole of UI and Dr. Babatunde Lawal of LAUTECH emphasized the need for improved funding of tertiary education by both federal and state governments in Nigeria.

Dr. Lawal highlighted the union’s grievances regarding the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System, labeling it as a violation of university autonomy and the laws establishing universities.

He criticized IPPIS for withholding salaries and failing to release third-party deductions such as cooperative contributions and pension dues.

He stated, “IPPIS is a fraudulent platform that is causing immense hardship to Nigerian academics and disrupting university operations. Despite government directives to exit IPPIS, our salaries are still withheld, and deductions remain unreleased.”

Meanwhile, Professor Akinwole condemned the fraudulent deduction of funds meant for unions and cooperative societies, dating back to 2020. He stressed that these deductions, mandated by law, have not been remitted to their rightful beneficiaries due to IPPIS complications.

“We cannot sit idly by while the university system suffers under successive governments. It is our duty to defend university education in Nigeria and safeguard knowledge production for future generations,” Akinwole asserted.

Both ASUU leaders urged the government to seize the opportunity presented by the union’s demands to resolve all outstanding issues promptly, thereby preventing further industrial crises in public universities.