ASUU-NDU says Bayelsa’s 40% Allowance Package, not replacement CBA ImplementationThe Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Niger Delta University chapter, has says Bayelsa State Government’s new 40 per cent public service allowance package is no replacement for earlier agreement awaiting implementation.The union described attempts to link its demands with the new allowance as misleading and deliberate disinformation.ASUU insisted it was demanding implementation of the Consolidated Academic and Technology Allowance (CATA) agreement signed with the government in December 2025.The union said the agreement was scheduled to take effect from January 2026 but remains unimplemented seven months later.Branch Chairman, Comrade Oyinkepreye Lucky Bebeteidoh, and Secretary, Comrade Victory C. Owede, addressed journalists on the development.They said the computed CATA for academic staff across Bayelsa’s three state-owned universities totals about N336.94 million monthly.According to ASUU, the government’s claim of N2.14 billion under the union’s demands falsely suggests lecturers seek nearly N3 billion monthly as CATA.Bebeteidoh questioned why government approved “peculiar allowances” for other unions while refusing to honour an existing agreement with university lecturers.He dismissed the government’s explanation that many states were yet to implement CATA as untenable.The ASUU chairman argued that over 10 states with lower federal allocations had already implemented the allowance.He described tying implementation to federal approval as unjust and disrespectful to university academics.The union also demanded payment of 19 months outstanding arrears from the 25 and 35 per cent wage awards.ASUU said delayed implementation created 25 months of arrears, with only six months settled, leaving 19 months unpaid.The union noted that government promised to clear the balance when state revenue improved.It argued that Bayelsa’s improved finances, including reported inflows of N95.15 billion in April and May, undermined claims of insufficient funds.ASUU further lamented the government’s failure to implement the February 5, 2025 Memorandum of Understanding that ended an earlier industrial action.The union expressed concern over the absence of on-campus staff housing after 26 years of Niger Delta University’s existence.It said the lack of staff accommodation had prevented the development of a vibrant university community.According to ASUU, the campus becomes largely deserted after working hours and on weekends because most staff live off-campus.
