September 25, 2024 – The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has given the Federal Government a 14-day ultimatum to address its longstanding demands or face a new strike action. This announcement comes amidst growing tensions between the union and the government over unresolved issues, some dating back to 2009.
ASUU President, Professor Emmanuel Osodoke, released a statement expressing frustration with the government’s perceived lack of commitment to implementing previously agreed-upon terms. Key demands include:
- Payment of withheld salaries from the 2022 strike
- Conclusion of the renegotiation of the 2009 FGN/ASUU Agreement
- Release of unpaid salaries for staff on sabbatical, part-time, and adjunct appointments affected by IPPIS
- Payment of outstanding third-party deductions
- Funding for public university revitalization
- Payment of Earned Academic Allowances
- Addressing the proliferation of universities by federal and state governments
- Implementation of university visitation panel reports
- Reversal of the dissolution of Governing Councils
- Adoption of the University Transparency and Accountability Solution to replace IPPIS
The union emphasized that this 14-day period is in addition to a previous 21-day notice, starting from September 23, 2024. ASUU warned that it should not be held responsible for any industrial disharmony resulting from the government’s failure to address these issues satisfactorily.
This development threatens to disrupt academic activities in Nigeria’s public universities, potentially affecting millions of students if a resolution is not reached within the specified timeframe.
