The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has given the Nigerian government, led by President Bola Tinubu, a 14-day deadline to meet their demands or face another strike. The union is pressing for the conclusion of negotiations on the 2009 FGN/ASUU Agreement, based on the Nimi Briggs Committee’s Draft Agreement from 2021, and the release of withheld salaries from the 2022 strike.
ASUU President, Emmanuel Osodeke, in a statement on Wednesday, criticized the government’s lack of commitment, accusing it of delaying the fulfilment of promises. According to Osodeke, this delay is worsening the crisis within Nigeria’s public university system.
The statement emphasized, “ASUU resolves to give the Nigerian Government another 14 days, beginning from September 23, 2024, during which all outstanding issues must be addressed to the union’s satisfaction.” ASUU warned that the union should not be blamed for any industrial action if the government fails to meet this new deadline.
Key demands include the release of unpaid salaries for academic staff on sabbatical, part-time, and adjunct appointments, which have been affected by the controversial Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS). The union is also pushing for the payment of outstanding third-party deductions, such as cooperative contributions and check-off dues.
In addition, ASUU is seeking more funding for the revitalization of public universities, a move partially included in the 2023 Federal Budget, and the payment of Earned Academic Allowances. Other concerns include the unchecked proliferation of universities by federal and state governments, implementing university visitation panel reports, and reversing the illegal dissolution of Governing Councils.
ASUU also reiterated its demand for the adoption of the University Transparency and Accountability Solution (UTAS) as a replacement for IPPIS.
Failure by the government to address these issues could lead to another major disruption in the Nigerian education system, as the union threatens further strike action.
