NANS Urges FG to Meet ASUU Demands

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has urged the Federal Government to engage with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) in light of a recent strike threat. NANS emphasized that a strike at this critical juncture would be inadvisable.

In an interview with our correspondent in Abuja, NANS Senate President, Babatunde Akinteye, stressed the importance of dialogue. He remarked, “We are asking the Federal Government to meet with ASUU and discuss with them because ASUU strike at this point in time is not advisable.” His comments follow ASUU's issuance of a fresh 14-day ultimatum to the Federal Government over unresolved issues.

ASUU's demands stem from ongoing frustrations regarding 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 release of withheld salaries from the 2022 strike and unpaid salaries for staff on sabbatical, part-time, and adjunct appointments affected by the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS). Furthermore, they seek the payment of outstanding third-party deductions, including check-off dues and cooperative contributions.

Key demands also include adequate funding for the revitalization of public universities, as outlined in the 2023 Federal Government Budget, and payment of Earned Academic Allowances. ASUU is also concerned about the proliferation of universities by federal and state governments and is advocating for the implementation of reports from visitation panels to universities.

ASUU President, Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke, expressed deep frustration with the government’s lack of commitment and perceived delay tactics, asserting that such actions exacerbate the crisis in the public university system. He called on stakeholders and well-meaning Nigerians to urge the government to address these pressing issues.

In a statement, ASUU declared its intent to give the government another 14 days, starting from September 23, 2024, to address all lingering issues satisfactorily. The union emphasized that it should not be held responsible for any industrial unrest resulting from the government's failure to respond effectively.