University Tensions Escalate: FG-ASUU Meeting Looms as Workers Plan Tuesday Protest

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has announced its forthcoming meeting with the Federal Government scheduled for July 25, 2024, to address longstanding unmet demands.

This development comes amidst a declaration by non-academic staff members of universities, who have planned a one-day protest on Tuesday across campuses due to the non-payment of their salaries for the past four months. This protest will precede a nationwide demonstration scheduled for July 18.

Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke, the National President of ASUU, confirmed these events during a telephone interview on Sunday, emphasizing that July 25 marks the agreed implementation date according to the timeline set with the Federal Government.

In recent weeks, ASUU chapters nationwide have engaged in protests, joined by students, highlighting grievances and threatening further industrial action if promises made by the government remain unfulfilled. ASUU also published an open letter to President Bola Tinubu, urging full implementation of the 2009 Memorandum of Understanding signed with the Federal Government.

Osodeke noted that the protests have prompted the government to call for a meeting, where assurances were given. He stated, “We have met with the Minister of Education and agreed on a timeline. They have made commitments to us, and we will monitor if they fulfill them. Our meeting is scheduled for two weeks from today, on July 25th, to review their compliance.”

The issues at stake include the release of withheld salaries, resolution of payment discrepancies under the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS), and funding for university revitalization, among others.

Meanwhile, the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) have jointly declared their dissatisfaction with government officials, announcing plans for protests starting July 18. They have directed all branches to convene mandatory meetings to raise awareness about the government’s perceived insensitivity to their plight.

These developments underscore ongoing tensions within Nigeria’s university system, highlighting the urgency for effective dialogue and resolution to avoid further disruptions to academic activities.