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January 2, 2025 ASUU Declares 2025 as a Year of Prolonged Struggle with Federal Government

ASUU Declares 2025 as a Year of Prolonged Struggle with Federal Government

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has warned that 2025 may see prolonged disputes with the Federal Government if critical issues and unmet expectations remain unresolved. The union criticized the Federal Government's efforts in 2024, describing them as superficial and ineffective in addressing the challenges facing Nigeria’s university system. According to ASUU's Ibadan chapter chairman, Prof. Ayo Akinwole, the uninterrupted academic calendar of 2024 was achieved solely due to the sacrifices of the union, not because the government had resolved the pressing issues.

ASUU accused the government of neglecting its commitments, including providing funding for public universities, addressing arrears of Earned Academic Allowances (EAA), paying withheld salaries, and implementing the University Transparency and Accountability Solution (UTAS). The union also criticized the government's plan to renegotiate existing agreements and urged it to instead review and sign the Nimi Briggs-led draft agreement. It further condemned the policy setting the age benchmark for university admission at 18, calling it inconsistent and poorly conceived.

ASUU reiterated its demands for the immediate payment of withheld salaries, the release of funding for university revitalization as stipulated in past agreements, and the full implementation of UTAS. It also called for restoring university lecturers’ salaries to the African average, as agreed in 2009, and for abandoning policies aimed at commodifying university education. Instead, ASUU advocated for free and well-funded education, drawing examples from countries like Germany.

The union also rejected proposed tax reforms that would replace the education tax with a development levy, arguing that this would undermine the sustainability of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), a key source of infrastructural funding for public tertiary institutions. ASUU warned that such reforms threaten the survival of the university system, with potentially devastating consequences for Nigeria’s education sector.

ASUU criticized the Federal Government's 2025 education budget allocation of 7%, which it deemed insufficient and far below the internationally recommended benchmark of 15%-20% for underdeveloped countries. The union expressed concern that inadequate funding would worsen infrastructural decay and deepen the challenges facing the education sector.

ASUU cautioned that the government’s continued lack of commitment could lead to renewed industrial action and disruptions in 2025. The union called on its members to remain vigilant and united, prepared to tackle any challenges that may arise. ASUU emphasized the need for the government to prioritize education, address unresolved issues, and take decisive action to avoid another crisis in Nigeria’s university system.

January 2, 2025 2027: Obi Rules Out Merger Deal with PDP and NNPP for Now

2027: Obi Rules Out Merger Deal with PDP and NNPP for Now

As the 2027 elections draw closer, Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), has stated that no merger agreement has been reached with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), or any other political party.

Speaking during a press conference in Abuja on Thursday morning, the former governor of Anambra State addressed pressing national issues and the future of Nigeria's political landscape. He emphasized that while there is no formal alliance yet, he called on all patriotic Nigerians in the political space to unite in 2027 to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), accusing the party of gross mismanagement of the nation’s resources.

Obi also highlighted the deteriorating security situation in the country, lamenting the needless loss of lives due to banditry, terrorism, and kidnapping. He described the state of governance under President Bola Tinubu’s administration as plagued by corruption, excessive public spending, and unsustainable debt accumulation.

“In 2024 alone, public funds were recklessly squandered on frivolous foreign trips by government officials,” Obi remarked, stressing the need for accountability and prudent management of national resources.

Reflecting on the 2023 presidential election, Obi acknowledged the impressive numbers each candidate garnered. President Tinubu secured victory with 8,794,726 votes, winning 12 states and receiving significant support across several regions. Atiku Abubakar of the PDP, a six-time presidential contender, followed with 6,984,520 votes. Obi, contesting for the first time, achieved an unprecedented third-place finish with 6,101,533 votes. Rabiu Kwankwaso of the NNPP placed fourth, winning Kano State and amassing 1,496,687 votes.

Interestingly, Obi and Kwankwaso were both members of the PDP before the 2023 elections. However, irreconcilable differences led them to part ways with the party, opting to pursue their respective political ambitions through alternative platforms.

As the countdown to 2027 begins, Obi's call for unity among opposition forces signals a potential shift in Nigeria's political dynamics, with the Labour Party aiming to solidify its position as a formidable contender.

January 1, 2025 Three Injured in Lagos New Year’s Eve Accident

Three Injured in Lagos New Year’s Eve Accident

Three people sustained injuries in a collision involving a trailer, a Toyota Camry, and a Lexus car on Tuesday night along the Lagos-Badagry Expressway.

The Unit Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Mr. William Manga, confirmed the incident during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Badagry.

According to Manga, the accident occurred at approximately 11:36 p.m. near the Agbo-Malu area of Age-Mowo.

“Our team was alerted at 11:42 p.m. and arrived at the scene within 10 minutes. The crash involved three vehicles,” he stated.

The vehicles included a Renault trailer with number plate BK 672 RB traveling from Badagry, a Toyota Camry with number plate JJJ 574 JP, and a Lexus car without a number plate.

Out of the five people involved in the crash, three sustained varying degrees of injury. The injured were promptly transported to the Lagos State Mobile Clinic for medical treatment.

Manga attributed the accident to a loss of control and lack of concentration while driving on the expressway.

The FRSC team has since cleared the damaged vehicles from the road to ensure smooth traffic flow.

The Unit Commander urged passengers to caution drivers against speeding and advised motorists to maintain safe speeds, particularly on the one-lane expressway.

January 1, 2025 NLC Calls for Withdrawal of Tax Reform Bills and Wage Review

NLC Calls for Withdrawal of Tax Reform Bills and Wage Review

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called on the federal government to withdraw the Tax Reform Bills recently submitted by President Bola Tinubu to the National Assembly. The union emphasized the importance of involving key national stakeholders in drafting a comprehensive and inclusive tax policy.

In its New Year message on Tuesday, NLC President Joe Ajaero described the proposed tax reforms as controversial, particularly in northern regions, where they have faced criticism for allegedly hindering economic growth. He stressed that a transparent and collaborative process is essential for creating a tax framework that is both effective and widely accepted.

The statement, titled “In 2025, Hope Is in Our Collective Resolve,” highlighted the urgent need for policies that address critical areas such as food security, healthcare, housing, education, transportation, and security. The NLC also called for improved worker welfare, noting that these measures are crucial for good governance.

Ajaero reaffirmed the union’s commitment to negotiating higher wages to help workers cope with economic challenges. He urged compliance with the 2024 National Minimum Wage Act and pledged to engage the government on fair wage adjustments.

The NLC also expressed concern over the growing use of force against unions, warning that such actions could jeopardize industrial harmony.

“As we enter 2025, the NLC extends heartfelt New Year greetings to all workers and citizens across the nation. Despite the challenges we face, we must find the collective strength to move Nigeria out of underdevelopment. Our progress depends on our united effort and determination,” the statement read.

Looking ahead, the NLC announced plans to hold a national dialogue in Ibadan this January to develop a new tax framework that supports economic growth and national development.

The union reiterated its call for the government to withdraw the current tax bills, emphasizing the need for a collaborative process to create a tax system that garners public trust and drives progress.

“As we prepare for this national dialogue, we hope to co-create a tax policy that aligns with the goals of national development. We also urge the government to uphold industrial peace by prioritizing social dialogue, respecting agreements with trade unions, and implementing pro-people policies,” the statement added.

The NLC underscored its dedication to advocating for workers’ rights and ensuring governance reflects the needs of citizens. It called on all Nigerians to unite and work together toward sustainable development and prosperity in 2025.

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