The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has urged the Federal Government to engage with the leadership of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) following the union’s recent threat of a strike. NANS emphasized that a strike at this time would be inadvisable for students and the education sector.
In an interview in Abuja, NANS Senate President Akinteye Babatunde highlighted the importance of dialogue, stating, “We are asking the Nigerian Government to meet with ASUU and discuss with them because ASUU strike at this point in time is not advisable.” This call for action comes after ASUU issued a 14-day ultimatum to the government, demanding resolution of several longstanding issues.
ASUU is seeking the completion of negotiations concerning the 2009 FGN/ASUU Agreement based on the Nimi Briggs Committee’s Draft Agreement from 2021. Additional demands include the release of withheld salaries due to the 2022 strike, as well as unpaid salaries for staff on sabbatical, part-time, and adjunct appointments affected by the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS).
The union also seeks funding for the revitalization of public universities and the payment of Earned Academic Allowances, which are partially included in the 2023 Nigerian Government Budget.
Other key issues raised by ASUU include the rapid proliferation of universities, the implementation of visitation panel reports, the reversal of the illegal dissolution of Governing Councils, and the adoption of the University Transparency and Accountability Solution in place of IPPIS.
ASUU President Emmanuel Osodeke expressed frustration over the government’s perceived lack of commitment and ongoing delays, which he claims are exacerbating the crisis within the public university system. He stated that ASUU had consulted with various stakeholders and is calling on well-meaning Nigerians to pressure the government to address these critical issues.
ASUU announced it would extend its ultimatum by an additional 14 days, starting from September 23, 2024, during which the government is expected to address these concerns to the satisfaction of union members.
The union cautioned that it should not be held responsible for any industrial unrest resulting from the government’s failure to act on this opportunity to avert a crisis.
