Lecturers in Nigerian tertiary institutions have complained that they are rotting away due to neglect and abandonment by the federal authorities as well as the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, for participating in the eight months strike.
In an interview, a lecturer who has taught for 27 years, Prof. Ilami Kramah, of the Rivers State University of Science, said hunger and mounting debts have taken a toll as some of them have died.
Lecturers in most Nigerian universities, under the umbrella body, ASUU, in February 2022 downed tools for eight months over several unmet demands by the Federal Government.
During the period, public universities were shut across the country.
The National Industrial Court affirmed the validity of no-work-no-pay policy in a judgement on a suit filed by the Federal government against ASUU.
Kramah said since the strike was called off none of the lecturers has received any salary for the period the strike lasted.
“The very painful aspects are that neither the leadership of ASUU nor the Federal Government is picking our calls anymore, or making any moves towards the outstanding salaries.
“Many of us are now living from hand to mouth. Many lecturers have since died out of hunger, frustration, depression and debts. Many are rotting away. Some of us are with families and no more younger to also flee the country,” he said.
