By Milcah Tanimu
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has issued a 21-day ultimatum to the Federal Government, demanding action on its longstanding issues. This decision was made during a National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held at the University of Ibadan from August 17th to 18th, 2024.
Key Points from ASUU’s Ultimatum:
1. Demands: ASUU’s demands include:
– Renegotiation of the FG/ASUU 2009 agreement
– Payment of withheld salaries
– Adoption of the University Transparency and Accountability Solution (UTAS) for salary payments
– Clearing of promotion arrears
– Stopping the proliferation of universities
– Revitalizing public universities
– Addressing outstanding Earned Academic Allowances
– Ending the victimization of union leaders
– Addressing non-payment of salaries in some state universities
2. NEC Meeting: The NEC meeting also directed ASUU branches nationwide to hold referendums to decide whether to embark on an indefinite strike, a staggered strike, or take alternative actions depending on the government’s response.
3. Previous Commitments : ASUU had noted that the Federal Government had promised to address their demands in the 2023 budget, but this commitment was not met, leading to the current impasse.
The outcome of the referendums at university branches will shape ASUU’s next steps. The union has a history of industrial action due to government failure to fulfill agreements, and the current ultimatum underscores the urgency of resolving these issues.
