NIGERIA: *ASUU Issues 14-Day Ultimatum to FG Over Unresolved Agreement*

By Utebor Paul, Nigeria

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has given the Federal Government a 14-day ultimatum to address lingering issues that date back to the 2009 FGN/ASUU Agreement.

ASUU President, Professor Emmanuel Osodeke, in a statement released on Wednesday, expressed frustration with the government’s failure to meet its obligations under the Nimi Briggs Committee’s Draft Agreement of 2021.

Professor Osodeke revealed that the union is demanding the resolution of several key issues, including the release of withheld salaries from the 2022 strike, as well as the payment of outstanding third-party deductions such as check-off dues and cooperative contributions.

The union is also seeking the release of unpaid salaries for staff on sabbatical, part-time, and adjunct positions affected by the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS).

ASUU lamented the government’s continued delay tactics and lack of commitment, which it claims is escalating tensions within the public university system.

“In light of these pressing concerns, ASUU resolves to grant the Federal Government another 14 days, effective from Monday, September 23, 2024.

This is in addition to the earlier 21-day notice, during which the government is expected to address all lingering issues to the satisfaction of our members,” the statement read.

The union warned that it should not be held responsible for any industrial unrest that may arise if the government fails to seize this new opportunity to resolve the looming crisis.

ASUU’s demands include funding for the revitalization of public universities and the payment of Earned Academic Allowances, both partly captured in the 2023 Federal Government Budget. The union also criticized the proliferation of universities by both Federal and State Governments, called for the implementation of visitation panel reports, and demanded the reversal of the illegal dissolution of university Governing Councils.

Additionally, ASUU reiterated its position on the adoption of the University Transparency and Accountability Solution (UTAS) as a replacement for IPPIS.