ASUU Threatens Fresh Strike Action, Issues 14-day Ultimatum To FG

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has announced a new 14-day ultimatum for the federal government to address ongoing issues impacting lecturers.

This announcement follows the conclusion of a previous 21-day ultimatum issued by the union.

ASUU is insisting on the finalization of the renegotiation of the 2009 FGN/ASUU Agreement, referencing the Draft Agreement from the Nimi Briggs Committee of 2021, as well as the payment of salaries that were withheld due to the union’s eight-month industrial action in 2022.

In a statement released on Wednesday, ASUU President Emmanuel Osodeke expressed his dissatisfaction with the government’s apparent lack of commitment and the use of delaying tactics, emphasizing that such actions are exacerbating the crisis within the public university system.

The statement read, “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 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 is advocating for the disbursement of unpaid salaries for personnel on sabbatical, part-time, and adjunct appointments who have been impacted by the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System. Additionally, the union is calling for the settlement of outstanding third-party deductions, including check-off dues and contributions to cooperatives.

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Furthermore, the union is requesting financial support for the revitalization of public universities and the disbursement of Earned Academic Allowances, which are partially included in the 2023 budget.

Other concerns raised include the excessive establishment of universities by both federal and state governments, the execution of recommendations from visitation panels to universities, the reversal of the unlawful dissolution of governing councils, and the adoption of the University Transparency and Accountability Solution as a substitute for the IPPIS.