The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has rejected the Federal Government’s Tertiary Institution Staff Support Loan Scheme (TISSLS), describing it as a ploy to divert attention from its failure to implement the renegotiated 2009 agreement.

The loan scheme, launched recently, offers academic and non-academic staff in tertiary institutions interest-free loans of up to ₦10 million.

Speaking at a press conference in Uyo, ASUU Calabar Zonal Coordinator, Comrade Ikechuku Igwenyi, said it was ironic that a government that “owes lecturers salaries and allowances” would introduce loans instead of addressing welfare concerns. He described the scheme as “slavish, insulting and a poisoned chalice.”

Igwenyi noted that government had repeatedly introduced policies such as NELFUND, IPPIS, and palliatives to distract from its obligations. He listed ASUU’s key demands to include the signing and implementation of the draft renegotiated 2009 agreement, payment of outstanding salaries and arrears, review of salary structures, and proper funding of universities.

ASUU insisted that rather than offering loans, the Federal Government should prioritize fair wages, improved infrastructure, and respect for existing agreements.