The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) says the salaries of university lecturers in the country have not been reviewed in the last 11 years.

Lazarus Maigoro, chairman of the University of Jos chapter of the union, disclosed this at the peaceful protest organised by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) on Tuesday in Jos.

The NLC embarked on a nationwide protest in solidarity with the ASUU and other affiliate unions over the lingering industrial action in public universities in Nigeria.

”For instance, in the last 11 years, the salaries of university lecturers have not be reviewed. Where in the world is this done?

”Committees were set up to look into our demands, but the government refused to consider the recommendations of these committees,” he said.

Mr Maigoro accused the government of paying lip service to the growth of university education, insisting that education remains the bedrock of development in any society.

The chairman thanked NLC and other affiliate bodies for their solidarity in calling on the government to address the issues.

Mr Maigoro also called on parents to support and collaborate with ASUU toward securing a better future for their children.

Lecturers in the government-owned universities embarked on a nationwide strike on February 14 over the adoption of the Integrated Personnel Payroll Information System (IPPIS) of the government as the payment system in the university sector.

The union decried the poor funding of universities, and non-payment of salaries and allowances of some of their colleagues, among other issues.

Since the industrial action began, several negotiations between the union and the government have ended in deadlock.

(NAN)