The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has issued a 14-day ultimatum to the Federal Government, threatening a fresh strike if unresolved issues dating back to 2009 are not addressed. This warning was issued in a statement on Wednesday by ASUU President, Professor Emmanuel Osodeke, who expressed frustration over the government’s failure to meet the union’s demands.
ASUU is calling for the immediate conclusion of the renegotiation of the 2009 FGN/ASUU Agreement, which is based on the recommendations of the Nimi Briggs Committee’s 2021 Draft Agreement. This long-standing issue has remained unresolved, leading to dissatisfaction within the university system.
One of the key grievances highlighted by ASUU is the government’s refusal to release withheld salaries from the 2022 strike action. ASUU described the government’s handling of this issue as lacking commitment and accused it of employing delay tactics, further deepening the crisis in public universities.
“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,” the statement read.
ASUU warned that it should not be held responsible for any disruptions that may arise if the government fails to resolve the ongoing issues.
“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 cautioned.
Among the other demands, ASUU is asking for the payment of unpaid salaries for university staff on sabbatical, part-time, and adjunct appointments. These payments were affected by the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS). Additionally, the union is pushing for the settlement of outstanding third-party deductions, including check-off dues and cooperative contributions, which have been withheld by the government.
ASUU also reiterated its demand for proper funding of public universities, a key component of the 2023 Federal Government budget. They are seeking the payment of Earned Academic Allowances, also partially captured in the 2023 budget. These allowances have long been a source of tension between the union and the government.
Another pressing concern for ASUU is the proliferation of universities by both Federal and State Governments, which they believe dilutes the quality of higher education. ASUU is urging the government to implement the reports of visitation panels to universities, reverse the “illegal” dissolution of Governing Councils, and adopt the University Transparency and Accountability Solution (UTAS) as a replacement for IPPIS.
ASUU has made it clear that it expects the government to take swift and decisive action on these matters within the 14-day period. Should the Federal Government fail to meet these demands, another strike may be imminent, potentially disrupting the academic calendar once again and further straining Nigeria’s already troubled higher education system.