LunagisthubYobe Governor’s Misplaced Priorities: N300m for Influencers as University Lecturers Strike
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) at Yobe State University (YSU) has been on an indefinite strike since July 11, demanding better working conditions, salary increments, and implementation of the N70,000 minimum wage. Despite repeated calls for negotiation, Governor Mai Mala Buni’s administration has failed to engage with the union, leaving the university shut.
Meanwhile, the Yobe State government has approved a N300million budget for a workshop and entertainment programme targeted at social media influencers. The event, held in Kaduna, featured dozens of online personalities, many without formal academic backgrounds. This extravagant spending has raised eyebrows, especially considering the state’s neglect of its education sector.
The Yobe State government had declared a “State of Emergency on Education” in 2021, promising reforms and improved infrastructure. However, the reality on the ground tells a different story. Public schools across the state lie in shambles, with crumbling walls, leaky roofs, and pupils learning on bare floors. The government’s priorities seem misplaced, with a staggering N22 billion approved for a single flyover project while the education sector suffers.
ASUU’s Demands
The union’s demands include:
– Implementation of 39% and 25% wage awards for professors and other cadres
– Implementation of the N70,000 new national minimum wage consequential adjustment
– Payment of promotion arrears and postgraduate facilitation allowances
The Yobe State government’s neglect of its education sector and extravagant spending on influencers raises questions about its priorities. As the strike continues, it’s essential for the government to engage with ASUU and address the lecturers’ concerns. The future of education in Yobe State depends on it.
Lunagisthub
