The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has issued a new 14-day ultimatum to the federal government, urging it to address unresolved issues affecting lecturers.
This comes after the expiration of a prior 21-day ultimatum from the union.
ASUU’s demands include the finalization of the renegotiation of the 2009 FGN/ASUU Agreement, based on the Nimi Briggs Committee’s Draft Agreement of 2021, as well as the payment of withheld salaries following the union’s eight-month strike in 2022.
In a statement on Wednesday, ASUU President Emmanuel Osodeke expressed frustration over the government’s lack of commitment and use of delay tactics, which he said are exacerbating the crisis in the public university system.
The statement read, “In light of the current situation, ASUU has decided to give the Nigerian government an additional 14 days, effective from Monday, September 23, 2024, in addition to the earlier 21 days, during which all unresolved issues must be addressed to the union’s satisfaction.
“ASUU should not be held responsible for any industrial unrest resulting from the government’s failure to seize this new opportunity to prevent a looming crisis.”
ASUU is also calling for 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). In addition, they are demanding payment of outstanding third-party deductions, including check-off dues and cooperative contributions.
Other demands include funding for the revitalization of public universities, payment of Earned Academic Allowances partly covered in the 2023 budget, a halt to the unchecked establishment of universities by federal and state governments, the implementation of reports from university visitation panels, the reversal of the unlawful dissolution of governing councils, and the adoption of the University Transparency and Accountability Solution (UTAS) as a replacement for IPPIS.
