The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has issued a 14-day strike ultimatum to the government led by President Bola Tinubu, demanding the resolution of lingering issues stemming from its 2009 agreement with the federal government.
ASUU President, Emmanuel Osodeke, announced that the union seeks the renegotiation of the FGN/ASUU agreement, based on the draft from the Nimi Briggs committee in 2021. ASUU is also demanding the release of withheld salaries related to the 2022 strike and the payment of unpaid salaries for staff on sabbatical, part-time, and adjunct appointments impacted by the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS).
In addition, the union is calling for funding to revitalize public universities, the payment of earned academic allowances, and the implementation of visitation panel reports. ASUU also seeks the reversal of the dissolution of governing councils and the adoption of the University Transparency and Accountability Solution (UTAS).
ASUU has expressed frustration over the government’s delays and lack of commitment. The 14-day ultimatum, which began on Monday, September 23, 2024, calls for concrete actions to address these concerns. Failure to meet ASUU’s demands may result in another strike.
In 2022, ASUU embarked on a prolonged strike to protest the non-implementation of its demands. The union stated that its current demands align with efforts to improve funding, governance, and working conditions in Nigerian public universities.
The union warned that it should not be held responsible if the government fails to act within the given timeframe.
