The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has issued a 14-day ultimatum to the Federal Government to address unresolved issues dating back to 2009.
In a statement on Wednesday, ASUU President Emmanuel Osodeke called for the conclusion of the renegotiation of the 2009 FGN/ASUU Agreement, based on the Nimi Briggs Committee’s 2021 Draft Agreement.
The union also demanded the release of withheld salaries following the 2022 strike.
Osodeke expressed frustration with the government’s perceived lack of commitment and delay tactics, warning that these actions were fueling a crisis within Nigeria’s public university system.
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“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 should not be held responsible for any industrial disharmony that arises from the government’s failure to seize the new opportunity offered by ASUU to nip the looming crisis in the bud,” ASUU said
ASUU is also demanding the release of unpaid salaries for staff on sabbatical, part-time, and adjunct appointments, which have been affected by the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS). Additionally, the union is calling for the payment of outstanding third-party deductions, including check-off dues and cooperative contributions.
The union further seeks funding for the revitalisation of public universities, as partially outlined in the 2023 Federal Government Budget, along with the payment of Earned Academic Allowances, also partially included in the same budget.
Other concerns raised by ASUU include the proliferation of universities by both Federal and State Governments, the implementation of recommendations from university visitation panel reports, the reversal of the illegal dissolution of Governing Councils, and the adoption of the University Transparency and Accountability Solution (UTAS) as a replacement for IPPIS.
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