By Hosea parah, Abuja

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), National Executive Committee has condemned recent pro- rated salary paid to its members describing it as an attempt by federal government to reduce Nigerian scholars to casual workers

In a statement signed by ASUU President, Emmanuel Osodeke, the Union expressed dismay over pro-rata payment at an emergency meeting of the ASUU’s National Executive Committee held on Monday in Abuja.

The Union discribed government action as unprecedented in the history of University education in Nigeria and called for a stop

University lecturers recently suspended its eight-month strike in obedience to the order of the National Industrial Court and in consideration of intervention efforts of well-meaning Nigerians, including the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila.

In the statement ASUU NEC said the action of the Union was a display of manifest trust in the judiciary and other institutions and organs of government to always put national interest above all other considerations.

The Union added that the response of the government toward them smacks of lack trust was the so-called “pro-rata” payment for eighteen days as the October 2022 Salaries of the Academics, thereby portraying them as daily paid workers.

“This is not only an aberration, but a contravention in any contract of employment for academics the world over” .

NEC commended the membership of ASUU for their perseverance in the face of untold hardship and unwarranted provocation by some agents of the ruling class.

NEC further appealed for understanding of Nigerian students, parents and other genuinely concerned individuals and groups while the Union continues to pursue positive resolution of this avoidable crisis within the ambit of lagelity without compromising the interest and welfare of Nigerian intellectuals