ASUU threatens strike, gives FG 14-day ultimatum

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has given the Federal Government a 14-day ultimatum to address several unresolved issues dating back to 2009.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, ASUU President, Emmanuel Osodeke, emphasized the union’s demand for the conclusion of the renegotiation of the 2009 FGN/ASUU Agreement, as outlined in the Nimi Briggs Committee’s Draft Agreement of 2021.

ASUU is also pressing for the release of salaries withheld due to the 2022 strike action and has expressed frustration over the government’s persistent delays and lack of commitment, warning that these actions are fueling a crisis within the public university system.

“ASUU resolves to give the Nigerian Government an additional 14 days, on top of the previous 21 days, starting from Monday, September 23, 2024, during which all lingering issues must be satisfactorily resolved,” the statement read. “The union should not be blamed for any industrial unrest resulting from the government’s failure to use this opportunity to prevent the impending crisis,” ASUU added.

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ASUU’s demands also include the release of unpaid salaries for staff on sabbatical, part-time, and adjunct appointments affected by the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS). Additionally, they seek the payment of outstanding third-party deductions, such as check-off dues and cooperative contributions.

Furthermore, ASUU is calling for increased funding for the revitalization of public universities, as partly allocated in the 2023 Federal Government Budget, and the disbursement of Earned Academic Allowances.

Other concerns raised include the unchecked proliferation of universities by both Federal and State Governments, the implementation of the reports from university visitation panels, the reversal of the illegal dissolution of Governing Councils, and the adoption of the University Transparency and Accountability Solution (UTAS) as a replacement for IPPIS.

NIGERIAN TRIBUNE