The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has issued a stern warning, threatening industrial action within two weeks if the administration of President Bola Tinubu fails to disburse withheld salaries owed to public university lecturers.
ASUU President Emmanuel Osodeke expressed dissatisfaction with the Federal Government’s partial payment, citing unfair treatment in receiving only four out of seven-and-a-half months’ withheld salaries. He argued that universities have covered the workload during the 2022 strike period and deserve full compensation.
The ultimatum, initiated on May 13, 2024, follows a history of discord between academic and non-academic unions and the government. While ASUU received partial payments, other unions like SSANU and NASU received none. ASUU insists on full payment for the entire strike period.
Osodeke criticized the government’s allocation of funds, juxtaposing it with lavish spending on road contracts. He emphasized that ASUU’s demands are modest compared to the government’s vast budget for infrastructure projects.
Furthermore, Osodeke highlighted governance irregularities in universities due to prolonged dissolution of Governing Councils. He stressed the need for proper council formation to curb illegal contracts and recruitments.
ASUU demands swift action, including concluding negotiations initiated in 2017, reinstating dissolved Governing Councils, and settling academic allowances owed to members. Failure to address these concerns within the stipulated timeframe may prompt further action from the union.
