ASUU Threatens to Strike, Announces 14 day Ultimatum to FG

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has issued a fresh 14-day ultimatum to the federal government, threatening to embark on another nationwide strike if their demands are not addressed.

This comes after a long-standing conflict between ASUU and the Nigerian government regarding the neglect of agreements signed over the years.

ASUU’s grievances include non-payment of earned academic allowances, revitalization funds for public universities, and issues with the government’s controversial Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS), which has led to some lecturers being omitted from salary payments.

“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”,  Emmanuel Osodeke, ASUU President, stated.

In a protest at the University of Jos, ASUU’s Vice Chairman, Prof. Kiri Jaryum, emphasized the union’s dissatisfaction with the government’s inaction. He highlighted that the government’s failure to fulfil its promises, particularly regarding salary increments and university funding, has left many lecturers struggling financially.

ASUU also demanded that the government halt the expansion of universities, claiming that this lowers educational standards and wastes scarce resources.

One of ASUU’s core demands is the renegotiation of the Nimi Briggs Committee agreement, which centers on salary increases that have been stagnant for 15 years.

ASUU believes that until the government returns to the negotiation table and implements these changes, the university system will continue to deteriorate. The union also seeks the establishment of a fair payment system, arguing that IPPIS has had many issues that have unfairly affected lecturers’ earnings.

What do you need to know?

The ultimatum issued by ASUU is part of a broader protest across the country, with similar demonstrations taking place in other universities. The protests are being coordinated at the zonal level, where lecturers have voiced their frustration with the government’s persistent delays.

The union has made it clear that failure to meet their demands within 14 days will result in a return to strike action, which would disrupt academic activities across Nigeria once again.

ASUU’s long history of industrial action stems from what they see as the government’s routine disregard for education.

The union has voiced doubts about the government’s sincere desire to engage in constructive negotiations. They gave examples of past agreements that were signed but never carried out.

 

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