FG Establishes Teams to Avert Imminent ASUU Strike
The Federal Government has formed teams to prevent a potential strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), which issued a 14-day ultimatum to resolve ongoing issues. ASUU's demands include the conclusion of the renegotiation of the 2009 FGN/ASUU Agreement, the release of withheld salaries from the 2022 strike, and the payment of salaries for staff affected by IPPIS.
Chris Oyeoku Okafor 
The Federal Government has initiated efforts to prevent another industrial action by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), following the union's recent 14-day ultimatum.
The Director of Press at the Ministry of Education, Folasade Biriowo, confirmed the development during an interview in Abuja on Sunday. Biriowo assured that the Ministry is taking proactive measures to address ASUU’s concerns, emphasizing that the Minister of Education has already set up teams to handle the situation.
"I can assure you that everything is being done to prevent the strike from happening. The minister has teams working already, so I can give you that assurance," Biriowo stated.
ASUU issued the ultimatum last week, demanding that the Federal Government address several unresolved issues. Among these are the conclusion of the renegotiation of the 2009 FGN/ASUU Agreement based on the 2021 Draft Agreement by the Nimi Briggs Committee and the release of withheld salaries from the 2022 strike.
Additionally, ASUU is pressing for the payment of outstanding salaries for staff on sabbatical, part-time, and adjunct appointments, which have been affected by the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS). The union is also seeking the release of unpaid third-party deductions such as check-off dues and cooperative contributions.
Other key demands include funding for the revitalisation of public universities, payment of Earned Academic Allowances, reversal of the illegal dissolution of Governing Councils, implementation of visitation panel reports, and the adoption of the University Transparency and Accountability Solution (UTAS) as a replacement for IPPIS.
ASUU President, Emmanuel Osodeke, expressed frustration with the government's delay in addressing these issues. In a statement, Osodeke warned that if the government fails to act within the new 14-day window, ASUU would not be held responsible for any industrial actions that follow.
"In view of the foregoing, ASUU resolves to give the Nigerian Government another 14 days, beginning from Monday, 23rd September 2024, during which all lingering issues must have been addressed to the satisfaction of the union," Osodeke said.
With the government racing against time to avert another disruption in the public university system, all eyes remain on the ongoing negotiations between ASUU and the Federal Government.
