The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has issued a 14-day ultimatum to the Nigerian Federal Government to resolve ongoing concerns affecting university lecturers. This comes after a previous 21-day ultimatum lapsed without any resolution.
Key demands include:
Renegotiation of the 2009 Agreement: Finalizing the renegotiation based on the 2021 Nimi Briggs Committee Draft Agreement.
Payment of Withheld Salaries: Settling unpaid salaries for staff on sabbatical, part-time, and adjunct appointments affected by the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS).
Outstanding Third-Party Deductions: Settling check-off dues and cooperative contributions.
University Funding: Ensuring sufficient funding for the revitalization of public universities.
Earned Academic Allowances: Paying partially captured allowances as outlined in the 2023 budget.
University Governance: Implementing recommendations from visitation panels, reversing illegal dissolutions of governing councils, and adopting the University Transparency and Accountability Solution as a replacement for IPPIS.
ASUU President, Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke, expressed disappointment over the government’s perceived inaction and ongoing delays, stating that this contributes to the crisis in Nigeria’s public university system. The union warned that it should not be held accountable for any industrial unrest resulting from the government’s failure to respond within this new deadline.
The 14-day ultimatum began on September 23, 2024, and if the government does not address these issues, ASUU may initiate indefinite industrial action.
