The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has issued a 14-day ultimatum to the Federal Government, demanding the resolution of several unresolved issues. ASUU is calling for the completion of the renegotiation of the 2009 FGN/ASUU Agreement, based on the Nimi Briggs Committee’s 2021 Draft Agreement, as well as the release of withheld salaries following the 2022 strike.
In a statement on Wednesday, ASUU President Emmanuel Osodeke expressed frustration with the government’s lack of commitment and delay tactics, warning that these actions are exacerbating the crisis in the public university system.
“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.
“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,” ASUU said
In addition to the implementation of the 2021 agreement, the Academic Staff Union of Universities (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 (IPPIS).
The union also seeks the payment of outstanding third-party deductions, including check-off dues and cooperative contributions.
ASUU is further pushing for the allocation of funds for the revitalization of public universities, as partly reflected in the 2023 Federal Government Budget, along with the payment of Earned Academic Allowances, also partially included in the budget.
ASUU is also raising concerns over the proliferation of universities by both Federal and State Governments. The union is calling for the implementation of reports from visitation panels to universities, the reversal of the unlawful dissolution of Governing Councils, and the adoption of the University Transparency and Accountability Solution (UTAS) as a replacement for the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS).
