B***, better have my money
The ASUU vs federal government drama is back like it never left
Happy Friday, Big Brains. I’ve got another study discovery. Everybody that lives in Lagos has main character syndrome and close to zero recollection of other states in Nigeria. Because how am I just realising that the good people of Ibadan have an airport too? Scream!
- Margaret
Word count: ~1,000
Reading time ~ 3 mins
Let’s get into today’s edition:
FG meets with ASUU to stop planned academic strike
Benue residents forced to live in fear as bandits demand a monthly tax of N20 million
Tinubu gives green light for Ibadan Airport upgrade
The Big Deal
FG meets with ASUU to stop planned academic strike
Last year, some federal universities like the University of Lagos increased their school fees and it got many Nigerians pissed. But in the typical Nigerian fashion, some people decided to hold on to the hope that the increased fees would probably give these universities what they need to no longer go on academic strikes. Well, that hope didn’t age well because the Academic Union of Universities ( ASUU) just said sike.
The union is now threatening to go on its infamous strike if the government doesn’t address its needs, which are mainly unpaid salaries and lack of structure in Nigeria universities.
The Chairman of ASUU Kwara State University (KWASU) chapter said the union isn’t exactly thrilled about the idea of going on another strike but the government might be pushing them to their limits.
He said, “ASUU condemns the deceitfulness of concerned authorities in the lives of our members across campuses. We warned that it will be unfortunate if we are forced to take action to demand the redress of all outstanding issues. We don’t want a strike. But by the time we are forced to take action- in most of our universities, about three and half months of our salaries are still being withheld. The government should immediately pay back those salaries.”
Another long academic strike isn’t what the country needs right now so the federal government has opened negotiations with the union. Although there is no assurance that ASUU will eventually go on strike, the Minister of Education, Professor Tahir Mamman, is certain that all issues raised will be amicably resolved.
Why is this a big deal?
We currently have over 2.1 million Nigerian students across the country and you probably know at least one of them. ASUU strike has been one of the biggest cons of getting educated in Nigeria because it could make a four-year course run into six years or worse. And the federal government + ASUU duo has not exactly been the most productive partnership.
If these negotiations go south or linger like the minimum wage negotiations, ASUU will likely go on another strike that will put an unnecessary strain on the academic journey of millions of students who have a common goal—to graduate in peace.
Benue residents forced to live in fear as bandits demand a monthly tax of N20 million
The people of Benue state are reportedly living in real life horror. Allegedly, bandits have started asking the residents of Torough and some other communities in Ukum Local Government to pay taxes and levies.
According to a report by Arise News, they are asking for a ₦20 million monthly fee from community.
An unnamed source said the armed gangs have taken control and created an atmosphere of fear in the Sankera region, which includes Logo, Ukum, and Katsina-Ala local government areas. The gangs are so powerful that no one, not even village leaders, dares to challenge them or report them to the police.
Residents of these areas have limited freedom to move around, socialise, or speak openly because of the fear of these gangs. The gangs reportedly use an advanced communication network to control their activities and intimidate people.
Some of the residents confirmed to Arise News that there are “violent consequences” for refusing to pay these. Smaller households are reportedly paying less compared to larger family compounds who are charged as much as N1 million.
But the police might be getting involved soon…
The Caretaker Chairman of Ukum LGA, Mr Victor Iorzaa, confirmed that he has taken the bold step of reporting the oppressors to the police and the State Security Council so hopefully, things will get better soon in Benue.
Tinubu gives green light for Ibadan Airport upgrade
If all you know about Ibadan is dusty roofs and banging abula spots, you’d probably be surprised to know that there’s an actual airport in the state and it is getting an upgrade soon.
President Bola Tinubu has given the go-ahead for the upgrade of Ibadan airport. Governor Makinde of Oyo State took a minute to give himself a little pat on the back, saying that their efforts to upgrade Ibadan Airport to an international standard have finally paid off. We don’t have the specific details yet but judging by the governor’s generous use of “international”, the upgraded airport’s offering would probably be extended beyond local flights.
He mentioned that the upgrade will involve building a new terminal, expanding the runway, and improving other facilities. He also mentioned that the project will be handled by experts and meet the required standards of a proper airport.
"We've been in discussions with the Presidency and received confirmation this week that the President has approved my request for the upgrade of Ibadan Airport," Governor Makinde said. "I'll be heading to Abuja soon to finalise the necessary paperwork. We aim to start the project within three weeks, focusing on expanding the runway and constructing a new terminal."
To all The Big Daily readers in Ibadan, congratulations on your newly earned bragging rights!
The Big Picks
Tinubu Meets With Govs Over Minimum Wage: President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kassim Shettima met with governors from all 36 states and ministers on Thursday to discuss a new minimum wage for workers in the country, along with other economic issues.
Safaricom under pressure for conflicting explanations over two-hour internet outage in Kenya: Safaricom, a major telecom company in Kenya, is facing criticism for releasing contradictory statements regarding a nationwide internet outage on Tuesday.
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