ASUU Extends Ultimatum to FG Over Unresolved Issues, Blames Government for University Calendar Disruptions

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has extended its ultimatum to the Federal Government, adding 14 days to the previous 21-day deadline to resolve longstanding issues that have repeatedly led to strikes across public universities in Nigeria.

At a recent meeting held by the ASUU National Executive Council (NEC) at the University of Ibadan, the union addressed a letter to the Minister of Education, Professor Tahir Mamman, outlining the urgency of these concerns. The letter, dated August 20, 2024, was part of ASUU's continued pressure on the government to act.

According to a statement released by Dr. Adeola Oyebisi Egbedokun, the Zonal Coordinator of ASUU's Akure zone, several critical issues remain unresolved. These include the conclusion of the renegotiation of the 2009 FGN/ASUU Agreement, based on the Nimi Briggs Committee's Draft Agreement of 2021. Additionally, ASUU is demanding the release of withheld salaries from the 2022 strike, payment of salaries for staff on sabbatical and part-time appointments affected by the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS), and the release of outstanding third-party deductions such as cooperative contributions.

ASUU also raised concerns over the proliferation of universities by federal and state governments, the implementation of visitation panel reports, and the illegal dissolution of university governing councils. The union continues to push for the adoption of the University Transparency and Accountability Solutions (UTAS) as a replacement for IPPIS, a platform ASUU claims is better suited to manage the payroll of academic staff.

ASUU emphasized that their efforts to renegotiate terms with the Federal Government have spanned nearly a decade. The union pointed to the breakdown of negotiations with the Wale Babalakin-led committee in 2017, followed by a promising draft agreement with the late Professor Nimi Briggs in 2021. However, the previous administration under President Buhari, and now the current administration under President Bola Tinubu, have yet to approve the agreement.

"The failure of the government to address non-monetary issues, including removing universities from IPPIS despite court orders and a presidential directive, is concerning," the statement read. ASUU also criticized the government's reluctance to implement recommendations from university visitation panels.

ASUU reaffirmed its commitment to resolving these issues through dialogue and collective bargaining, as outlined by International Labour Organisation (ILO) conventions. The union is actively consulting with former presidents, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and other key stakeholders to peacefully resolve the impasse.

With the extended ultimatum, which began on September 23, ASUU called on the Tinubu administration to take swift action to address the lingering concerns, particularly the review and signing of the Nimi Briggs-led renegotiation draft agreement.

ASUU warned that failure to resolve these issues within the stipulated time would lead to further disruptions in Nigeria’s public university system.