ASUU Issues 14-Day Ultimatum to Federal Government Over Lingering Issues

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has given the Federal Government a 14-day ultimatum to resolve several lingering issues, including the conclusion of the renegotiation of the 2009 FGN/ASUU Agreement based on the Nimi Briggs Committee’s Draft Agreement of 2021. ASUU President, Emmanuel Osodeke, expressed frustration with the government’s lack of commitment and delay tactics, stating that these actions are fueling a crisis in the public university system.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, Osodeke said, “In view of the foregoing, 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 concretely addressed to the satisfaction of the membership of the union.” He warned that “the union should not be held responsible for any industrial disharmony that arises from the government’s failure to seize the new opportunity offered by ASUU to nip the looming crisis in the bud.”

The union is seeking the implementation of several key demands, including the payment of withheld salaries for staff on sabbatical, part-time, and adjunct appointments affected by the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS). Additionally, ASUU is demanding the payment of outstanding third-party deductions, such as check-off dues and cooperative contributions.

ASUU is also seeking funding for the revitalization of public universities, partly captured in the 2023 Federal Government Budget, and the payment of Earned Academic Allowances, also partly captured in the 2023 Federal Government Budget. Other issues include addressing the proliferation of universities by federal and state governments, implementing reports from visitation panels to universities, reversing the illegal dissolution of Governing Councils, and adopting the University Transparency and Accountability Solution (UTAS) as a replacement for IPPIS.

The Federal Government’s response to ASUU’s ultimatum will determine the fate of Nigeria’s public universities. If the government fails to address these issues, the union may embark on another strike, further disrupting academic activities. The academic community waits with bated breath for the government’s response.