The Calabar zone of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) comprises eight universities, including the University of Calabar, University of Uyo, Ebonyi State University, Abia State University, Cross River State University, Alex Ekweme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, University of Education and Entrepreneurship, Akamkpa, and Cross River State.
Speaking on the federal government’s proposed Tertiary Institution Staff Support Loan Scheme, ASUU leader Igwenyi expressed strong opposition, questioning why a government that operates an outdated salary structure of over 17 years would prefer to offer workers loans rather than implement overdue salary adjustments.
Igwenyi criticized successive governments for introducing distractions such as renegotiation panels, IPPIS, partial salary awards, palliatives, and the NELFUND scheme, without fulfilling formal agreements with the union. He described the loan initiative as a “height of mockery” that undermines the welfare of academic staff.
He stated, “It insults our sensibilities that a government refusing to pay rightful salaries and arrears would turn around to offer impossible loans instead of completing the formalities for a commensurate salary structure. How can the government impose loan guarantees on staff unions, who are not employers of tertiary institution workers?”
The union also questioned the source of funds for the scheme, the salary structure to be used for repayment, and the rationale for offering loans in a depressed economy while debts remain unpaid. Igwenyi compared the initiative to the NELFUND scheme, which he said had trapped students in a cycle of debt.
He concluded by rejecting the Tertiary Institution Staff Support Loan, calling it a “poison chalice,” and warned that the August 28, 2025, meeting with the federal government would be the last ASUU would attend, citing the unpredictability of outcomes and the unnecessary expenditure on logistics for such meetings.
