Your Excellency, I hope this letter finds you in good health and high spirits. As a concerned citizen of Nigeria and a lecturer in one of the country’s public universities, I write to draw your attention to a matter of utmost importance that has been adversely affecting the welfare and livelihoods of public university lecturers.
It is with great urgency that I implore you to intervene in the unfortunate situation where these dedicated educators have been denied their eight months salaries withheld during the 2022 strike.
First, I would like to remind you of the dire state of remuneration that public university lecturers have been grappling with for too long. The last time their salaries were reviewed was in 2009. While the cost of living has increased steadily over the years, the salaries of the lecturers have stagnated, pushing them into financial difficulties.
Furthermore, the implementation of the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS) has introduced a new set of challenges that have aggravated the already precarious situation of university lecturers.
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The IPPIS system fails to recognise the unique peculiarities of universities, resulting in discrepancies and irregularities in salary payments. Only those who have experienced the system firsthand truly understand the complexities and nuances of working within the university environment.
It is essential to acknowledge and appreciate the significant role that university lecturers play in nation-building. They are the driving force behind the education and intellectual development of our future leaders. Their commitment to instilling knowledge, critical thinking, and values in our students is immeasurable.
By neglecting their welfare, the country risks losing dedicated and talented educators, leading to a negative impact on the quality of education in our nation.
Regrettably, the current remuneration structure has made university lecturers the worst-paid among all tertiary institution lecturers. The discrepancy in pay between university lecturers and their counterparts in polytechnics and colleges of education is disheartening.
This disparity not only hinders the morale of our dedicated educators but also disincentivizes aspiring academics from pursuing careers in universities, thereby depleting the pool of intellectual resources in our nation.
Your Excellency, in light of these pressing concerns, I humbly request that you consider the following recommendations as a way forward to address the issue at hand:
a) I implore you to invite the leadership of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to engage in a constructive dialogue. Hearing directly from the representatives of the lecturers will provide valuable insights into the challenges they face and potential solutions to their grievances.
b) Initiate a thorough investigation into the remuneration of university lecturers and compare it with the pay structure of other tertiary institution lecturers. This will help shed light on the inequities and allow for fair and justified adjustments to be made.
c) In order to prevent similar situations from arising in the future, establish a regular and transparent salary review mechanism that considers the economic realities and inflation rates prevalent in the country. This will ensure that the salaries of university lecturers remain commensurate with the cost of living and adequately reflect their contributions to the nation.
d) Recognise the unique challenges and demands faced by university lecturers by introducing special allowances for the peculiarities of their work environment and responsibilities. This will not only motivate current educators but also attract new talents to the academic profession.
e) Invest in the improvement of infrastructure, research facilities, and resources in public universities. By enhancing the quality of education, we can create an environment that fosters academic excellence and promotes the overall development of our nation.
Your Excellency, the resolution of these issues is crucial for the progress and prosperity of our great nation. By taking swift and decisive action, you will demonstrate your commitment to the well-being of our university lecturers, our education system, and the future of Nigeria.
I trust in your wisdom and leadership, and I am hopeful that you will consider this matter with the utmost urgency it deserves. As we work together towards a stronger and more inclusive Nigeria, let us remember that the empowerment of our educators is central to building a prosperous and enlightened society.
Yours faithfully,
Amiru Lawal Balarabe Giwa, lecturer, Department of Business Administration, Federal University Gusau, Zamfara State
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