The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) is set to resume industrial action following alleged refusal by the Federal Government to release the Union's Check-Off Dues and Cooperative deductions totaling over N5billion. The Chairman of ASUU, University of Ibadan Chapter, Dr. Deji Omole made this known on Monday while speaking with newsmen in Ibadan.
He lamented that over N300m of check-off dues and Cooperative monies of University of Ibadan academic staff were currently trapped by the federal government, making it difficult for members in need to access welfare support. He said if urgent steps are not taken to address the matter, especially attempt to force the union to pay tax, the union would be forced to take action.
“The union should re-invigorate its efforts in insisting that the peculiarities of Universities be incorporated into the new version of GIFMIS. Check off dues and Cooperative contributions are a product of already taxed incomes, hence there is no need whatsoever for TIN”.
“Unions should not be asked to pay tax by Federal Inland Revenue Service, FIRS, as they are not registered as a business entity. The union may be poised for another showdown with the federal government if the issue is not addressed quickly.”
