The Academic Staff Union of Universities has given the Federal Government a fresh 14-day ultimatum to resolve outstanding issues, including the renegotiation of the 2009 FGN/ASUU Agreement and the release of withheld salaries following last year’s strike.
According to The PUNCH, ASUU President Emmanuel Osodeke expressed frustration with the government’s handling of the situation, accusing it of employing delay tactics that have exacerbated the crisis in public universities.
“ASUU has shown great patience, but the government’s lack of commitment has left us no choice but to issue this ultimatum,” Osodeke stated. “We have given the government 14 additional days, starting from Monday, September 23, 2024, to address all unresolved issues to the satisfaction of our members.”
The union highlighted several key demands, including the full implementation of the 2021 agreement drafted by the Nimi Briggs Committee and the payment of salaries owed to staff on sabbatical, part-time, and adjunct positions, which were affected by the controversial Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System.
Additionally, ASUU is seeking the release of outstanding third-party deductions such as check-off dues and cooperative contributions.
ASUU also called for adequate funding for the revitalization of public universities, which was partly allocated in the 2023 Federal Government Budget, and the payment of Earned Academic Allowances, also partially captured in the same budget.
“The union will not be held responsible for any industrial unrest should the government fail to utilize this window of opportunity to prevent another crisis in the university system,” ASUU warned.
Other key issues include the proliferation of universities by federal and state governments, the implementation of visitation panel reports, the reversal of the dissolution of university governing councils, and the adoption of the University Transparency and Accountability Solution to replace IPPIS.
ASUU’s ultimatum follows a previous 21-day notice, with the union insisting that the government’s failure to meet these demands could lead to another nationwide strike in the coming weeks.
