The Non-Academic Staff Union of Education and Associated Institutions, NASU has called on the President Bola Tinubu led administration to sufficiently fund the education sector for institutions in Nigeria to attain a global standard.
The Trade Group Chairman and Deputy President, NASU, Comrade Buhari Suleiman, made the call in an address at the Quadrennial Delegates Conference and Election of the Universities and Inter University Centres Trade Group Council, held at the University of Ilorin.
Comrade Buhari stressed the need for government to do more in terms of budgetary allocation to the education sector “as the year 2023 allocation of Eight point two percent fell below the UNESCO recommended threshold of twenty six percent of the country’s annual budget.”
On the current economic situation in the country, Comrade Buhari noted that the tough decision and announcement of subsidy removal at l inauguration ceremony of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu as President, posed an instant challenging impact on the lives of Nigerians.
” The effect has been excruciating and the impact, drastic.
“The price of petrol has increased by over 300 percent and has affected all aspects of the economy, such as transportation, food, health care among others.
“The citizens that just recovered from the pains of naira scarcity have had to face another inflicted problem of high cost of living.”
The Union also wants President Tinubu to address challenges of insecurity, corruption, hike in electricity tariff as well as unpaid four months salary of University unions.
In an address, the NASU National President, Dr Hassan Makolo, stressed the need for member to remain united and uphold the potency of the union’s constitution.
“Our constitution is potent and fervent, and I urge this house that at no point should we allow ourselves to be tramping on our constitution or water it down.”
In goodwill address, Kwara State Controller of Labour and Employment, Alhaji Yusuf Raufu, represented by Mrs Racheal Adeoye, urged the union to partner the government in its policies and performances, especially at this critical point of the country’s economic journey.
The Vice Chancellor, University of Ilorin, Professor Abdulwahab Egbewole, in remark, noted that no country can make progress without addressing the issues of its education.
Professor Egbewole urged the union members to reach positive resolutions at the end of the meeting and election of new members.