The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has given the Federal Government a 14-day ultimatum to resolve lingering issues, including the conclusion of the renegotiation of the 2009 FGN/ASUU Agreement and the release of withheld salaries due to the 2022 strike action.
*Key Demands*
– _Implementation of 2021 Agreement_: Based on the Nimi Briggs Committee’s Draft Agreement
– _Unpaid Salaries_: Release of salaries for staff on sabbatical, part-time, and adjunct appointments affected by IPPIS
– _Outstanding Deductions_: Payment of third-party deductions, including check-off dues and cooperative contributions
– _University Revitalization_: Funding for public universities, partly captured in the 2023 Federal Government Budget
– _Earned Academic Allowances_: Payment partly captured in the 2023 Federal Government Budget
ASUU President, Emmanuel Osodeke, expressed frustration with the government’s lack of commitment and delay tactics, stating that these actions fuel a crisis in the public university system. “In view of the foregoing, ASUU resolves to give the Nigerian Government another 14 days… 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.”
This ultimatum comes amidst ongoing tensions between ASUU and the government. Recently, Gombe State University lecturers embarked on an indefinite strike over unmet demands. The ASUU national body’s move may escalate the situation if the government fails to address the issues within the stipulated timeframe.
