Strike looms as ASUU issues 14-day ultimatum to FG over lingering issues

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has given the Nigerian Federal Government a 14-day ultimatum to resolve several long-standing issues, threatening potential industrial action if their demands are not met.

At the core of ASUU’s demands is the renegotiation of the 2009 FGN/ASUU Agreement, based on the recommendations of the Nimi Briggs Committee’s 2021 Draft Agreement.

Additionally, the union is calling for the release of withheld salaries from the 2022 strike action.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, ASUU President, Emmanuel Osodeke, voiced the union’s frustration with the government’s failure to address these issues, accusing the authorities of employing delay tactics that are deepening the crisis in Nigeria’s public university system.

Osodeke stated, “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 union.” He warned that ASUU should not be held responsible for any industrial action resulting from the government’s inaction.

Among other key demands, ASUU is urging the release of unpaid salaries for staff on sabbatical, part-time, and adjunct appointments, which were affected by the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS).

They are also pushing for the payment of outstanding third-party deductions such as check-off dues and cooperative contributions.

The union has called for proper funding for the revitalization of public universities, as partly captured in the 2023 Federal Government Budget, as well as the payment of Earned Academic Allowances.
|SituationReport|