ASUU Issues 14-Day Ultimatum to Federal Government Over Unresolved Issues

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has issued a new 14-day ultimatum to the Federal Government of Nigeria, demanding the resolution of long-standing issues affecting lecturers across the country. This follows the expiration of a previous 21-day ultimatum given by the union.

ASUU is pressing for the conclusion of the renegotiation of the 2009 FGN/ASUU Agreement, based on the Nimi Briggs Committee’s Draft Agreement of 2021. The union is also calling for the payment of withheld salaries related to its eight-month industrial action in 2022. In a statement released on September 25, 2024, ASUU President, Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke, expressed frustration over the government's perceived lack of commitment and ongoing delays, warning that such actions are exacerbating the crisis in Nigeria's public university system.

The statement outlined the union's demands, stating, “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 cautioned that it should not be held responsible for any industrial disharmony that arises from the government's failure to act within this new timeframe.

In addition to salary issues, ASUU is demanding the release of unpaid salaries for staff on sabbatical, part-time, and adjunct appointments affected by the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS). The union is also seeking the payment of outstanding third-party deductions, including check-off dues and cooperative contributions.

Other significant issues on the agenda include securing adequate funding for the revitalization of public universities, payment of Earned Academic Allowances partially captured in the 2023 budget, and addressing the proliferation of universities by federal and state governments. ASUU is also calling for the implementation of reports from visitation panels to universities, the reversal of what it deems the illegal dissolution of governing councils, and the adoption of the University Transparency and Accountability Solution as a replacement for the IPPIS.

This ultimatum highlights the ongoing tensions between ASUU and the Federal Government and raises concerns over the future of Nigeria's higher education system if the issues are not addressed promptly.