The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has issued a 14-day ultimatum to the Federal Government, urging it to address a range of unresolved issues that have been causing tension within Nigeria’s public university system.
ASUU’s primary demands include the completion of negotiations on the 2009 Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN)/ASUU Agreement, which is based on the recommendations of the Nimi Briggs Committee’s Draft Agreement of 2021. Additionally, the union is calling for the release of salaries withheld during the 2022 strike action.
In a statement released on Wednesday, ASUU President, Emmanuel Osodeke, expressed deep frustration over the government’s lack of commitment and the persistent delays in resolving these issues. He warned that the government’s inaction is exacerbating the ongoing crisis in Nigeria’s public universities.
“As a result, ASUU is giving the Nigerian Government a further 14 days, in addition to the earlier 21-day ultimatum, starting from Monday, September 23, 2024, to resolve all outstanding issues to the satisfaction of the union’s membership,” the statement read. The union also cautioned that it should not be blamed for any industrial action or disruptions that may occur if the government fails to seize this opportunity to prevent the looming crisis.
Beyond the renegotiation of the 2021 agreement, ASUU is also demanding the release of unpaid salaries for staff on sabbatical, part-time, and adjunct appointments, who have been affected by the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS). Furthermore, the union is seeking the payment of outstanding third-party deductions, such as check-off dues and cooperative contributions.
Other key issues on ASUU’s agenda include the provision of funding for the revitalization of public universities, which has been partially included in the 2023 Federal Government Budget, and the payment of Earned Academic Allowances (EAA), also partially captured in the 2023 budget.
ASUU is additionally concerned about the proliferation of universities by both Federal and State Governments, which the union believes is diluting the quality of education. They are also pressing for the implementation of the recommendations made by visitation panels to various universities, the reversal of the illegal dissolution of Governing Councils, and the adoption of the University Transparency and Accountability Solution (UTAS) as a replacement for the IPPIS.
The union’s ultimatum highlights its determination to push the Federal Government to act swiftly and decisively in addressing these longstanding grievances, warning that failure to do so could lead to industrial unrest across the country’s public universities.
