ASUU Threatens New Strike, Gives Tinubu’s Government 14-Day Ultimatum

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has given the President Bola Tinubu-led Government a 14-day ultimatum to address unresolved issues dating back to 2009.

In a statement on Wednesday, September 25, 2024, ASUU President, Emmanuel Osodeke highlighted the union’s demand for the completion of the renegotiation of the 2009 FGN/ASUU Agreement, using the Nimi Briggs Committee’s 2021 Draft Agreement as a basis.

Osodeke revealed that ASUU is also demanding the release of salaries that were withheld during the 2022 strike, expressing frustration over the government’s slow response and lack of commitment.

He stressed that these delays are contributing to a growing crisis in public universities.

ASUU warned that the government would be responsible for any industrial action if this new deadline is ignored.

“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,” the statement said

ASUU is also calling for the payment of unpaid salaries for staff on sabbatical, part-time, and adjunct roles affected by the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS).

It also demands the payment of outstanding third-party deductions, including check-off dues and cooperative contributions.

Other key demands include funding for the revitalization of public universities (part of the 2023 Federal Government Budget), payment of Earned Academic Allowances, addressing the unchecked creation of new universities by federal and state governments, implementing university visitation panel reports, reinstating dissolved Governing Councils, and replacing IPPIS with the University Transparency and Accountability Solution (UTAS).

KanyiDaily recalls that ASUU previously gave President Bola Tinubu a two-week ultimatum to restore the dissolved governing councils of Nigerian universities.