The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has issued a 14-day ultimatum to the Federal Government, urging immediate resolution of several unresolved issues that have long plagued Nigeria’s public university system. This comes after previous warnings and a 21-day window granted by the union.
ASUU’s demands include the conclusion of renegotiations for the 2009 FGN/ASUU Agreement, with specific reference to the Nimi Briggs Committee’s Draft Agreement of 2021, as well as the release of withheld salaries due to the 2022 strike action.
According to ASUU President, Professor Emmanuel Osodeke, the union is frustrated with what it describes as the government’s “lack of commitment” and “delay tactics.”
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Osodeke emphasized that the government’s continued inaction is exacerbating the crisis within the public university system.
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“In view of 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,” Osodeke stated.
ASUU further warned that it should not be held responsible for any industrial action that could arise from the government’s failure to address the situation. The union’s demands encompass a broad range of issues, including the release of unpaid salaries for staff on sabbatical, part-time, and adjunct positions impacted by the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS).
Additionally, ASUU is calling for the payment of outstanding third-party deductions such as check-off dues and cooperative contributions. They are also demanding funding for the revitalization of public universities, partly captured in the 2023 Federal Government budget, alongside the payment of earned academic allowances.
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Other pressing concerns include the proliferation of universities by both federal and state governments, the implementation of reports from visitation panels to 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 IPPIS.
ASUU’s ultimatum places increased pressure on the government, with the threat of renewed industrial action looming if these matters are not promptly addressed. If the government fails to meet ASUU’s demands, Nigeria’s university system could face yet another round of strikes, exacerbating the already fragile state of tertiary education in the country.