The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has given the Federal Government a 14-day ultimatum to address several unresolved issues. The union is pushing for the conclusion of the renegotiation of the 2009 FGN/ASUU Agreement, based on the Nimi Briggs Committee’s Draft Agreement of 2021, and demanding the release of withheld salaries from the 2022 strike action.
ASUU President, Emmanuel Osodeke, expressed frustration over the government’s delays, accusing it of using stalling tactics that worsen the crisis in public universities. He stated, “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 addressed to the satisfaction of the union.”
Key Demands:
- Implementation of 2021 Agreement: Completion of the renegotiation of the 2009 FGN/ASUU Agreement.
- Release of Withheld Salaries: Payment of salaries for staff affected by the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS) during the 2022 strike.
- Outstanding Deductions: Settlement of unpaid check-off dues, cooperative contributions, and other third-party deductions.
- Funding for Public Universities: Adequate allocation of funds for revitalizing public universities, as partially reflected in the 2023 Federal Government Budget.
- Earned Academic Allowances: Payment of earned allowances for academic staff.
- University Governance: Implementation of reports from visitation panels and reversal of the dissolution of university governing councils.
ASUU warned that failure to meet these demands within the given timeframe could lead to industrial unrest, for which the union will not be responsible.