The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has issued a 14-day ultimatum to the Federal Government, demanding resolution of lingering issues or facing potential industrial action. ASUU President, Professor Emmanuel Osodeke, expressed the union’s frustration over the government’s alleged delay tactics in addressing pending commitments.
In a statement released on Wednesday, Osodeke highlighted that the government’s behavior towards ASUU members is exacerbating the crisis within the public university system.
He emphasized the urgent need for action, stating, “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 union is calling for the completion of the renegotiation of the 2009 FGN/ASUU Agreement, based on the Nimi Briggs Committee’s Draft Agreement of 2021, and the release of withheld salaries of its members as a result of the 2022 strike action.
Osodeke further warned that, “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.”
In addition to these demands, ASUU is seeking the implementation of the 2021 agreement, the release of unpaid salaries for staff on sabbatical, part-time, and adjunct appointments affected by the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS), and the payment of outstanding third-party deductions, including check-off dues and cooperative contributions.
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The union is also urging the government to provide funding for the revitalization of public universities, as partially outlined in the 2023 Federal Government Budget, and to pay Earned Academic Allowances mentioned in the same budget.
Further, ASUU is calling for a curb on the proliferation of universities by 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 as a replacement for IPPIS.
As the ultimatum period begins, the pressure mounts on the Federal Government to address these pressing issues to avoid further disruption in the academic sector.
