The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has issued a critical 14-day ultimatum to the Federal Government, demanding urgent resolution of pressing issues affecting Nigeria’s tertiary education sector.
In a statement released on September 25, 2024, ASUU President Emmanuel Osodeke expressed deep frustration over the government's perceived lack of commitment and ongoing delays, warning that such tactics are exacerbating the crisis within the public university system.
Key demands include the finalization of the 2009 FGN/ASUU Agreement based on the Nimi Briggs Committee’s Draft Agreement from 2021, alongside the release of withheld salaries stemming from the 2022 strike. Osodeke emphasized, “ASUU resolves to give the Nigerian Government another 14 days, in addition to the earlier 21 days, beginning from September 23, 2024, during which all lingering issues must be concretely addressed.”
The union has made it clear that it will not bear responsibility for any industrial unrest that may arise if the government fails to act promptly. Among other pressing demands, ASUU is calling for:
Payment of unpaid salaries for staff on sabbatical, part-time, and adjunct appointments impacted by the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS), Release of outstanding third-party deductions, including check-off dues and cooperative contributions, Increased funding for revitalizing and rehabilitating public universities, as outlined in the 2023 Federal Government Budget, Payment of Earned Academic Allowances specified in the same budget.
Additionally, ASUU is addressing broader systemic issues such as the proliferation of universities by federal and state governments, implementation of visitation panel reports, and the reversal of the illegal dissolution of governing councils. The union is also advocating for the adoption of the University Transparency and Accountability Solution as a replacement for the current payroll system.
With tensions escalating, the next two weeks could be pivotal for the future of Nigeria’s higher education landscape.
