ASUU laments poor pension for retired lecturers

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has expressed concern over what it described as the poor retirement package for university lecturers in the country.

Speaking at a news conference in Jos on Thursday, ASUU National President, Prof. Christopher Piwuna, said the Contributory Pension Scheme introduced in 2024 had worsened the welfare of retired academics.

“Our retired colleagues continue to bear the brunt of government’s unpopular policies, manifesting in galloping inflation and rising costs of electricity, transportation, housing, food, and medication,” Piwuna said.

He described the situation as unacceptable, noting that senior academics who served the university system for over four decades now earn as little as ₦150,000 monthly in retirement.

“Many of our retired colleagues are battling chronic health conditions, supporting their spouses, children, and even grandchildren with this paltry sum,” he added.

Piwuna explained that ASUU’s push for a university-based pension fund administration was to correct such anomalies and guarantee lecturers better post-retirement welfare.

The union, therefore, called on the Federal Government to urgently review the pension system and improve the welfare package for retired university lecturers.