ASUU Revisits Lingering Issues With Fed. Govt., Gives 14-Day Ultimatum
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has issued a fresh 14-day ultimatum for the federal government to resolve lingering issues affecting lecturers.
This follows the expiration of a 21-day ultimatum previously set by the union.
ASUU is demanding the conclusion of the renegotiation of the 2009 FGN/ASUU Agreement based on the Nimi Briggs Committee’s Draft Agreement of 2021, along with the payment of salaries withheld due to the union’s eight-month industrial action in 2022.
Baring ASSU’s mind in a statement on Wednesday, the President, Emmanuel Osodeke, expressed frustration regarding government’s lack of commitment and use of delay tactics, and cautioned that such actions are fueling a crisis in the public university system.
The statement read, “In view of the foregoing, ASUU resolves to give the Nigerian Government another 14 days, beginning from Monday, September 23, 2024, during which all the lingering issues must be concretely addressed to the satisfaction of the union’s membership. The union should not be held responsible for any industrial disharmony that arises from the government’s failure to seize this new opportunity to avert the looming crisis.”
“ASUU is also demanding the release of unpaid salaries for staff on sabbatical, part-time, and adjunct appointments affected by the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS), as well as the payment of outstanding third-party deductions, including check-off dues and cooperative contributions.
“The union also seeks funding for the revitalization of public universities and the payment of Earned Academic Allowances partially captured in the 2023 budget. Other issues include the proliferation of universities by federal and state governments, the implementation of reports from visitation panels to universities, the reversal of the illegal dissolution of governing councils, and the adoption of the University Transparency and Accountability Solution as a replacement for IPPIS.
