The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has issued a 14-day ultimatum to the Federal Government to address several longstanding issues. ASUU is calling for the conclusion of the renegotiation of the 2009 FGN/ASUU Agreement, based on the Nimi Briggs Committee’s Draft Agreement from 2021, as well as the release of withheld salaries stemming from the 2022 strike.
In a statement on Wednesday, ASUU President Emmanuel Osodeke expressed frustration over the government’s lack of commitment and perceived delay tactics, warning that these actions are exacerbating the crisis within the public university system.
“In light of this, ASUU resolves to give the Nigerian Government another 14 days, in addition to the previous 21 days, starting from Monday, September 23, 2024, during which all lingering issues must be concretely addressed to the satisfaction of our members,” Osodeke stated. “The union should not be held accountable for any industrial unrest that arises from the government’s failure to take this new opportunity to avert the looming crisis.”
Beyond the implementation of the 2021 agreement, ASUU is demanding the release of unpaid salaries for staff on sabbatical, part-time, and adjunct appointments affected by the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS), as well as the payment of outstanding third-party deductions, including check-off dues and cooperative contributions.
The union is also seeking funding for the revitalization of public universities, as partially outlined in the 2023 Federal Government Budget, and the payment of Earned Academic Allowances also mentioned in that budget.
Other concerns include 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.
