The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), has issued a 21 day deadline to both the Federal and State Governments to meet its demands, threatening to initiate a nationwide strike if their conditions are not met."
This was announced by the National President of ASUU, Prof. Emmanuel Osodoke, during a press conference on Thursday, at Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, in Abia.
The Union leader urged the governments to resolve all the unresolved issues impeding the progress of the nation's universities, which prompted their last strike in 2022.
He mentioned that once the 21 day notice period concludes, the union would hold a meeting to evaluate the situation and determine the next steps. The decision on how to proceed will be based on the developments during the notice period and what actions are deemed necessary at that time.
Osodoke further explained that the issues include reviewing and signing the renegotiated 2009 FGN-ASUU Agreement, securing effective funding, and allocating the Emergency Revitalisation Fund for public universities. Additionally, his concerns encompass the payment of outstanding earned academic allowances, release of withheld salaries, promotion arrears, and third-party deductions for union members.
He stated that the NEC strongly condemned the federal and state governments for their apparent refusal to address the union's concerns comprehensively. Mr. Osodeke also criticized the Minister of Education for the sluggish pace of intervention in resolving these issues, expressing the union's dissatisfaction with the lack of prompt action.
While also noting additional concerns involving halting illegal recruitment practices, managing the expansion of public universities, and preventing the misuse of university laws, regulations, and processes; He also added the matter of separating universities from the Treasury Single Account and the introduction of a new IPPIS system, which relates to the promotion of university autonomy.
Also Read: Ajero: Abia Nlc Mobilises Members For Strike
Mr. Osodeke stated that the union opposed the Federal Government's recent decision to redirect the Tertiary Education Trust Fund's (TETFund) intervention grants to the Students’ Education Loan Scheme. He argued that this action contradicts the original purpose of the legislation that established the Education Tax Fund, now known as TETFund.
Mr. Osodeke also announced that the union has designated Tuesday, September 10, as "Victimized Lecturers’ Day". He explained, that the day will be dedicated to showing solidarity with members of the union who have been unjustly persecuted at universities across the nation.
