ASUU Issues 14-Day Ultimatum To FG, Threatens Strike Over Unresolved Issues
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has issued a 14-day ultimatum to the Federal Government, demanding the resolution of several unresolved issues affecting Nigeria’s public university system. Among ASUU’s key demands is the conclusion of the renegotiation of the 2009 FGN/ASUU Agreement, based on the recommendations of the Nimi Briggs Committee’s Draft Agreement of 2021. The union is also pressing for the release of withheld salaries following the 2022 strike action.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, ASUU President Emmanuel Osodeke expressed frustration with the government’s delay in addressing these concerns. He accused the Federal Government of a lack of commitment and the use of delay tactics, which he claims are fueling a deeper crisis within Nigeria’s public universities.
Osodeke stated, “Given the foregoing, ASUU resolves to give the Nigerian Government another 14 days, in addition to the earlier 21 days, beginning from Monday, September 23, 2024, during which all the lingering issues must have been concretely addressed to the satisfaction of the membership of the union. The union should not be held responsible for any industrial disharmony that arises from the government’s failure to seize the new opportunity offered by ASUU to nip the looming crisis in the bud.”
ASUU’s demands go beyond the implementation of the 2021 agreement. The union is also calling for the release of unpaid salaries for staff involved in sabbatical, part-time, and adjunct appointments, who were affected by the government’s Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS). Additionally, the union is demanding payment of outstanding third-party deductions, including check-off dues and cooperative contributions.
ASUU is also advocating for increased funding to revitalize public universities, an issue partially addressed in the 2023 Federal Government Budget. Another critical demand is the payment of Earned Academic Allowances, also partly captured in the budget.
Other issues raised by ASUU include concerns about the unchecked proliferation of universities by Federal and State Governments, which the union believes undermines the quality of education. The union also wants the implementation of reports from visitation panels to universities, a reversal of the illegal dissolution of university Governing Councils, and the adoption of the University Transparency and Accountability Solution (UTAS) as a replacement for IPPIS.
The ultimatum comes against the backdrop of growing discontent within the academic sector and signals a possible return to industrial action if the government fails to meet ASUU’s demands. With the clock ticking on the 14-day deadline, all eyes are on the Federal Government to see whether it will engage constructively with the union or risk another disruption in Nigeria’s higher education system.
