Olayiwola Matthew
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has given the Federal Government a 14-day ultimatum to address unresolved issues that date back to 2009.
In a statement released on Wednesday, ASUU President Emmanuel Osodeke said the union is calling for the finalization of the renegotiation of the 2009 FGN/ASUU Agreement, based on the Nimi Briggs Committee’s 2021 Draft Agreement.
ASUU is also demanding the release of salaries withheld during the 2022 strike and expressed frustration over the government’s lack of commitment and use of delay tactics.
The union warned that these actions are creating a crisis within the public university system.
“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, as well as part-time and adjunct appointments affected by the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS). Additionally, the union seeks the payment of outstanding third-party deductions, including check-off dues and cooperative contributions.
Furthermore, ASUU is calling for funding to revitalize public universities, which is partially included in the 2023 Federal Government Budget, along with the disbursement of Earned Academic Allowances, also referenced in the same budget.
Other issues on the agenda include the proliferation of universities by both Federal and State Governments, the implementation of reports from visitation panels to universities, 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.
