ASUU warming up for fresh strike, gives FG 14-day ultimatum
ASUU President, Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke
Published By: Isa Isawade
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) is warming up for a fresh strike, issuing a 14-day ultimatum for the federal government to resolve all issues affecting its members.
This is coming after the expiration of a 21-day ultimatum earlier issued by the union.
ASUU is demanding the conclusion of the renegotiation of the 2009 FGN/ASUU Agreement based on the Nimi Briggs Committee’s Draft Agreement of 2021 and the payment of salaries withheld due to the union’s eight-month industrial action in 2022.
The union’s President, Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke in a statement on Wednesday expressed frustration with the government’s lack of commitment and delay tactics, noting that the actions were fueling a crisis in the public university system.
- ASUU condemns victimisation, illegal dismissal of members
- ASUU decries victimisation of members in LASU, FUTO, others
- FG set to meet ASUU over strike notice on Monday
“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.
“The union should not be held responsible for any industrial disharmony that arises from the government’s failure to seize the new opportunity offered by ASUU to nip the looming crisis in the bud,” the statement read.
The union also demanded the release of unpaid salaries for staff on sabbatical, part-time, and adjunct appointments affected by the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System, and the payment of outstanding third-party deductions such as check-off dues and cooperative contributions.
ASUU also wanted a revitalization of public universities and the payment of Earned Academic Allowances partly captured in the 2023 budget, among other demands.