The Federal Ministry of Education has announced the establishment of a 31-member committee aimed at renegotiating the agreement between the Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU.
This panel is scheduled to be inaugurated next Wednesday in response to ASUU’s recent threat of industrial action. Folasade Boriowo, the Director of Press at the Ministry, expressed confidence that the ongoing negotiations would avert a strike by ASUU. “The government has begun taking action, and I believe ASUU will refrain from striking due to several positive developments underway,” she stated.
ASUU has issued a 14-day ultimatum to address long-standing issues, including the finalization of the 2009 FGN/ASUU Agreement, the release of withheld salaries from the 2022 strike, and necessary funding for revitalizing public universities. In light of these issues, ASUU President, Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke, expressed the union’s frustrations regarding the government’s perceived indifference. He warned, “The union should not be held accountable for any industrial unrest that may result from the government’s inability to capitalize on this new opportunity presented by ASUU.”
READ ALSO : ASUU issues new 14-Day ultimatum to Federal Government
Credible News recalls that ASUU, had issued a fresh 14-day ultimatum to the Federal Government, demanding urgent action on several unresolved issues affecting Nigeria’s public university system.
ASUU President Emmanuel Osodeke announced this development on September 25, signaling a potential return to industrial action if the government does not meet the union’s demands.
The ultimatum began on September 23, after an initial 21-day notice issued earlier. Osodeke expressed deep frustration over what he described as the government’s persistent delays and lack of commitment in addressing critical matters that have plagued the educational sector for years.
“In view of the foregoing, ASUU resolves to give the Nigerian Government another 14 days, during which all lingering issues must have been concretely addressed to the satisfaction of the membership of the union”, he said.
Among the key issues highlighted by ASUU are:
– The conclusion of renegotiations regarding the 2009 FGN/ASUU Agreement, based on recommendations from the Nimi Briggs Committee’s Draft Agreement of 2021.
– The release of withheld salaries for staff affected by previous strike actions and those on sabbatical or part-time appointments.
– Payment of outstanding third-party deductions, including check-off dues and cooperative contributions.
– Increased funding for public universities, as partially allocated in the 2023 Federal Government Budget.
– Implementation of reports from university visitation panels and a reversal of what ASUU describes as the illegal dissolution of Governing Councils.
Credible News.ng
