ASUU, FUDMA Management Meet Over Pension, Retirement Benefits 

ASUU, FUDMA Management Meet Over Pension, Retirement Benefits

A delegation from the National Headquarters of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), has met with the management of Federal University Dutsin-Ma (FUDMA) as part of a broader national sensitisation focused on educating academic staff about critical issues surrounding pension administration, retirement benefits, and overall members’ welfare.

The university’s ASUU Chairman, Dr. Dahiru Rabe, who was part of the engagement, commended the national body for its proactive approach and unwavering commitment to protecting the rights and professional interests of university lecturers.

He said this is a significant development in the face of complex administrative challenges.

“We are truly honoured by this visit. It demonstrates that the national leadership is not only attentive but committed to grassroots engagement. Our members have long awaited clear direction on pension matters, and we are optimistic that this engagement will yield meaningful progress.”

Addressing the university management, led by the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academic, Prof. Abubakar Sadiq Sulaiman, the leader of the ASUU National delegation, Comrade Ade Adejumo, said the engagement was to sensitize members on lingering issues related to the administration of pensions.

He zeroed in on growing concerns linked to Nigerian Universities Pension Management Company (NUPEMCO) Pension Services, a pension fund administrator that has been a subject of debate among university lecturers across the country.

Comrade Adejumo emphasized that the union “remains resolute in its mission to ensure that members’ rights and welfare are adequately safeguarded”. He noted that many academic staff are either unaware of the intricacies of the new pension framework or have been adversely affected by delays, opaque processes, or unfavourable policies.

“It is no longer enough to merely enrol members in a pension scheme. We must ensure transparency, accountability, and timely access to retirement benefits”, he said, stressing that “our members must be armed with the right information to make informed decisions about their future. That is why we are here”.

Throughout the interactive session, the national delegation stressed the importance of continuous engagement and awareness among members.

They urged academic staff “to remain united, resist disinformation, and actively participate in union discussions and meetings where welfare and pension matters” are deliberated.

“Your retirement should be a time of rest and dignity, not a period of struggle”, Comrade Adejumo added. “We must all speak with one voice and hold both university management and pension service providers accountable”.

The discussions also touched on broader welfare issues, including remuneration, working conditions, and the need for institutional transparency in financial and administrative matters affecting academic staff.

The courtesy call provided a rare platform for robust and fruitful dialogue between the ASUU National delegation, the University’s management team, and ASUU branch officials.

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor, who received the delegation on behalf of the Vice Chancellor, Prof. M. K. Othman acknowledged the importance of a harmonious working relationship between the university administration and the union.

While the DVC did not delve into specific policy commitments, he assured the delegation of the management’s openness to dialogue and willingness to support initiatives aimed at improving staff welfare, including facilitating clearer communicationchannels on pension administration.

All sides expressed cautious optimism that the ongoing national sensitization efforts, coupled with sustained pressure from union leadership, would eventually lead to lasting solutions to the pension-related challenges.

The local ASUU branch reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to promoting the welfare and professional interests of its members and followed up on the issues raised during the visit.

The visit has renewed hope among FUDMA’s academic staff of a secured and well managed pension system, which is one of the most pressing issues facing university lecturers.

The national delegation is expected to continue its tour of other University branches in the coming weeks, with similar sensitization programmes aimed at ensuring that no member is left behind in the fight for pension transparency and improved welfare.