ASUU Threatens New Strike and Gives FG a 14-Day Warning

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) released a statement on Wednesday, calling for the finalization of the renegotiation of the 2009 FGN/ASUU Agreement, referencing the Draft Agreement proposed by the Nimi Briggs Committee in 2021.

In the statement, Union President Emmanuel Osodeke also urged the government to release the salaries that have been withheld due to the 2022 strike and expressed dissatisfaction with the government's apparent lack of commitment and use of delay tactics. Furthermore, the Union issued a 14-day ultimatum to the Federal Government to address all outstanding issues that have persisted since 2009. Osodeke emphasized that these ongoing issues have been causing turmoil within the public university system. “In light of the above, ASUU has decided to grant the Nigerian Government an additional 14 days, following the previous 21 days, starting from Monday, September 23, 2024, during which all unresolved matters must be adequately addressed to meet the expectations of the union's members. “The union cannot be held accountable for any industrial unrest that may arise from the government's failure to take advantage of this new opportunity presented by ASUU to avert the impending crisis,” stated ASUU. Additionally, ASUU is demanding the release of unpaid salaries for staff on sabbatical, part-time, and adjunct appointments affected by the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System, as well as the payment of outstanding third-party deductions, including check-off dues and cooperative contributions. The Union also seeks funding for the revitalization of public universities, as partially outlined in the 2023 Federal Government Budget, along with the payment of Earned Academic Allowances, which are also included in the 2023 Federal Government Budget. One additional concern involves the expansion of universities by both Federal and State Governments, the execution of recommendations from visitation panels to universities, the reinstatement of unlawfully dissolved Governing Councils, and the introduction of the University Transparency and Accountability Solution as a substitute for IPPIS.