The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has delivered a 14-day ultimatum to the Federal Government, demanding the resolution of unresolved issues dating back to 2009. The union warned that failure to address these concerns within the given timeframe could lead to further industrial action.
In a statement released on Wednesday, September 25, ASUU President, Emmanuel Osodeke, outlined the union’s key demands. At the forefront is the conclusion of the renegotiation of the 2009 FGN/ASUU agreement, based on recommendations from the Nimi Briggs Committee’s Draft Agreement of 2021. Additionally, ASUU is calling for the release of withheld salaries owed to its members as a result of the 2022 strike action.
Osodeke expressed frustration over what he described as the government’s “delay tactics” and lack of genuine commitment, which have continued to disrupt the public university system. “These actions are generating a crisis in the public university system,” the statement read.
ASUU stated that the new 14-day deadline follows an earlier 21-day notice, bringing the total to 35 days of waiting for a concrete resolution. The union warned that it should not be blamed for any industrial unrest that may occur if the government fails to act within this extended period. “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,” the union asserted.
In addition to the renegotiation demands, ASUU is seeking the release of unpaid salaries for staff on sabbatical, part-time, and adjunct appointments affected by the controversial Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS). The union also demanded payment of outstanding third-party deductions, including check-off dues and cooperative contributions.
The union reiterated its call for the revitalization of public universities, with funding partly included in the 2023 Federal Government Budget, as well as the payment of Earned Academic Allowances. ASUU further expressed concerns over the proliferation of universities by federal and state governments, which they say undermines the quality of education.
Among other demands, the union is pushing for the implementation of recommendations from visitation panels to universities, the reversal of the dissolution of university governing councils, and the adoption of the University Transparency and Accountability Solution (UTAS) to replace IPPIS as the preferred payroll system for universities.
ASUU’s ultimatum once again puts the spotlight on the long-standing issues between the academic union and the Federal Government, raising concerns over the possibility of another disruption in the nation’s higher education system if an agreement is not reached soon.