The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has issued a 14-day ultimatum to the Federal Government, demanding the resolution of several long-standing issues within the university system.
ASUU’s demands include the conclusion of the renegotiation of the 2009 FGN/ASUU Agreement, based on the Nimi Briggs Committee’s 2021 Draft Agreement, and the release of salaries withheld due to the 2022 strike action.
In a statement released on Wednesday, ASUU President, Emmanuel Osodeke, expressed frustration over the government’s perceived lack of commitment, accusing it of using delay tactics that are worsening the crisis in public universities.
“Given the current situation, ASUU is granting the Nigerian Government an additional 14 days, starting from Monday, September 23, 2024, beyond the earlier 21-day notice. During this period, all unresolved issues must be addressed to the satisfaction of the union’s members,” Osodeke warned. He further noted that the union should not be blamed for any industrial unrest if the government fails to act.
ASUU’s other demands include the release of unpaid salaries for staff on sabbatical, part-time, and adjunct appointments, 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.
Additionally, the union is calling for increased funding for the revitalization of public universities, a commitment partly reflected in the 2023 Federal Government Budget. They are also demanding the payment of Earned Academic Allowances.
Other key issues highlighted by ASUU include the proliferation of universities by federal and state governments, the implementation of recommendations from visitation panels to universities, the reversal of what they describe as the illegal dissolution of Governing Councils, and the adoption of the University Transparency and Accountability Solution (UTAS) to replace IPPIS.
