The Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, has 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 Wednesday signaling a potential return to industrial action if the government does not meet the union’s demands.
The ultimatum began on Monday 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.
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The union’s statement also warned that it should not be held responsible for any industrial unrest resulting from the government’s failure to act within this new timeframe.
This latest ultimatum comes against a backdrop of historical grievances. ASUU has a long history of strikes—having embarked on multiple industrial actions over various demands since its formation.
The union has often cited governmental negligence regarding agreements made in previous negotiations as a primary reason for its strikes. Notably, ASUU’s last major strike lasted eight months before being suspended in October 2022.
The education sector is now bracing for potential disruptions as students and parents alike worry about the implications of another strike on academic calendars and future prospects.
With public universities already facing challenges related to funding and infrastructure, stakeholders are calling for immediate dialogue between ASUU and government representatives to avert what could be another prolonged period of academic inactivity.
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