By Olayinka Olawale
Lagos – The Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) has condemned the present rented apartment being used by the National Library of Nigeria in Abuja.
The union urged the Federal Government to expedite action on the completion of the abandoned National Library of Nigeria Headquarters building as a matter of utmost priority.
The communique was signed by Messer Michael Adegoke, Deputy President/Chairman, WAEC/Libraries and Damola Adelekun, the Secretary, WAEC/Libraries and other Trade Groups.
“We call on the Federal and State Governments who are the owners of these libraries to show more interest in funding them to eliminate the present appalling state of facilities.
“There is need for intervention of Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETfund) in the funding of national and state owned libraries as it does for public institutions’ libraries,” it said.
It commended the Delta Government for building a state of the art library for students in the state, urging other state governments to emulate it.
It added that libraries should not be allowed to lose their significance and importance in Nigeria.
“The union observed with deep concern the failure of the Federal and State Governments to adequately fund the libraries.
“Library play a fundamental role in the society as they offer opportunities for learning and research that can improve economic, social and cultural development,” it said.
NASU also condemned in strong terms the seven per cent budgetary allocation to education in the 2018 budget, adding that it was a far cry from the 26 per cent recommended by UNESCO.
It also called on the Federal Government to be alive to its responsibilities by according the education sector its needed priority and declare a state of emergency in the sector.
“We express dismay the lip service by successive administrations at all levels to funding of education.
“We observed that over the years, annual budgetary allocation to education continues to dwindle, while infrastructure in the sector lay in ruins from primary to tertiary institutions,’’ NASU said.
On new minimum wage, it said the galloping inflation resulting from unfavourable economic indices like high exchange rate had rendered the current N18, 000 minimum wage regime impotent, unrealistic and outdated.
The union said that only an inspired and motivated labour force could be productive.
It said the increase in rent, school fees, fare, healthcare charges and other basic needs of life had made a mincemeat of the purchasing power of the workers and indeed all Nigerians.
