The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), University of Ilorin branch, has strongly criticized the federal government for the unjustifiable delay in paying the outstanding balance of the three and a half months of withheld salaries owed to members in the nation's universities.

The union's branch chairman, Dr. Alex Akanmu, stated that this delay mirrors an attempt to frustrate the commitment and dedication of academic staff who have continued to fulfill their responsibilities to students and the broader academic community.

Dr. Akanmu also expressed disappointment over the appointments of aged Nigerians as members of tertiary institutions' governing councils, saying it is unacceptable that octogenarians would drive the development agenda of the 24th century.

He questioned whether these elderly individuals have the capacity to lead 21st-century development, calling the situation "barbaric and unacceptable."

The union has been engaged in a prolonged struggle with the government over various demands, including the payment of outstanding Earned Academic Allowance (EAA), which was captured in the 2023 Budget but remains unpaid.

Dr. Akanmu stated that it has been twenty months and a few days since the end of the 2022 industrial action, yet there has been no positive development from the government on their demands.

The ASUU chairman also criticized the insensitivity of the federal government towards their demands in recent years, despite various agreements reached but not fulfilled.

He expressed hope that the current administration would resolve their issues, but the government has displayed anti-labor traits since assuming power.

Dr. Akanmu called on the government to sign and execute the Briggs report without further delay, emphasizing that wage awards cannot replace negotiated wages.

The union also expressed disappointment over the harrowing experiences Nigerians are facing due to the current administration's policies, such as the removal of subsidies on commodities.