The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has issued a new 21-day ultimatum to both federal and state governments to meet its demands, warning that it will initiate a nationwide strike if its conditions are not met.
ASUU is calling on the governments to address the “outstanding issues” affecting the advancement of the nation’s universities, which were the basis for its last strike in 2022.
At a press conference on Wednesday at Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike in Abia State, ASUU National President Emmanuel Osodeke announced the ultimatum. This press conference followed the union’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held on August 17-18 at the University of Ibadan.
Osodeke stated that the union would reconvene at the end of the 21-day notice to make necessary decisions.
The NEC strongly condemned the federal and state governments’ apparent failure to address the issues raised by the union. Osodeke criticized the “slow pace of intervention” by the Minister of Education in resolving these matters.
Key issues include the review and signing of the renegotiated 2009 FGN-ASUU Agreement, adequate funding including the Emergency Revitalisation Fund for public universities, payment of outstanding earned academic allowances, release of withheld salaries, promotion arrears, and third-party deductions for members.
Additional concerns involve halting illegal recruitments, preventing the proliferation of public universities, and enforcing adherence to university laws and regulations. The union also demands the removal of universities from the Treasury Single Account and a review of the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS) to enhance university autonomy.
Osodeke highlighted the NEC’s receipt of concerning reports regarding the government’s failure to fulfill promises that led to the nationwide strike from February to October 2022. In response, the union has declared Tuesday, September 10, as Victimised Lecturers’ Day to show solidarity with its members who have faced unjust treatment across universities.
The day will also be used to express dissatisfaction with the ongoing labor-management issues at Lagos State University, Kogi State University, Federal University of Technology Owerri, and other institutions.
Furthermore, ASUU has rejected the federal government’s recent attempt to redirect Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) intervention grants to the Students’ Education Loan Scheme. According to Osodeke, this move contradicts the original purpose of the Education Tax Fund, now known as TETFund.
The press conference was attended by ASUU Owerri Zone Zonal Coordinator Dennis Aribodor and other ASUU officials and members. Despite criticism from various quarters, including fellow academics, for its frequent strikes, ASUU maintains that its actions are aimed at protecting public universities and the interests of lecturers.
