The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has issued a 14-day ultimatum to the Federal Government, demanding urgent resolution of several long-standing issues that date back to 2009. This decision was communicated by ASUU President Emmanuel Osodeke in a statement on Wednesday.
The union is seeking the conclusion of negotiations regarding the 2009 FGN/ASUU Agreement, specifically based on the Nimi Briggs Committee’s Draft Agreement from 2021. ASUU has expressed frustration over the government’s perceived lack of commitment and ongoing delays, which they argue are exacerbating the crisis in Nigeria’s public university system.
Starting from September 23, 2024, ASUU has given the government until October 7, 2024, to address these issues satisfactorily. The union emphasized that it should not be held responsible for any industrial disharmony resulting from the government’s failure to act during this period.
Key demands from ASUU include:
– Release of Withheld Salaries: The union calls for the payment of salaries that were withheld during the 2022 strike.
– Unpaid Salaries for Specific Staff: This includes staff on sabbatical, part-time, and adjunct appointments affected by the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS).
– Outstanding Third-Party Deductions: ASUU demands payment of check-off dues and cooperative contributions that have not been remitted.
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– Funding for University Revitalization: The union is advocating for funding highlighted in the 2023 Federal Government Budget for the revitalization of public universities.
– Earned Academic Allowances: Payment of these allowances, also partly captured in the 2023 budget.
– Addressing University Proliferation: ASUU calls for a review of the proliferation of universities by Federal and State Governments.
– Implementation of Visitation Panel Reports: They demand the implementation of findings from visitation panels to universities.
– Reversal of Governing Council Dissolutions: ASUU seeks to reverse what they describe as the illegal dissolution of Governing Councils.
– Adoption of University Transparency and Accountability Solution (UTAS): This should replace IPPIS to improve accountability and transparency within the university system.
With the looming threat of a strike, the government faces pressure to address these issues promptly to avoid disrupting academic activities across public universities in Nigeria.
