ASUU gives federal government 14-day deadline.

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has given the Federal Government a 14-day deadline, demanding swift resolution of several ongoing concerns. ASUU President Emmanuel Osodeke, in a statement on Wednesday, expressed frustration over the government’s delays and lack of genuine commitment, which he said worsens the situation in public universities.

“Given these circumstances, we have extended a 14-day ultimatum to the Federal Government, starting from Monday, September 23, 2024, in addition to the previous 21-day deadline. During this time, we expect all outstanding issues to be resolved to the satisfaction of our members,” Osodeke said. He further cautioned that the union should not be blamed for any potential industrial action if the government fails to use this opportunity to avert the brewing crisis.

The union pushes for the finalization of the renegotiation of the 2009 FGN/ASUU Agreement, based on the Nimi Briggs Committee’s Draft Agreement of 2021. The union also demands the release of salaries withheld due to the 2022 strike.

In addition to implementing the 2021 agreement, the union demands payment of withheld salaries for staff involved in sabbatical, part-time, and adjunct roles, impacted by the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS). The union also seeks payment of outstanding third-party deductions, including check-off dues and cooperative contributions.

Other demands include funding for the revitalization of public universities, partially covered in the 2023 Federal Government Budget, as well as the release of Earned Academic Allowances, also partially included in the same budget.

ASUU has also raised concerns about the unchecked establishment of new universities by federal and state governments, the need to implement recommendations from visitation panels to universities, the reversal of the unlawful dissolution of governing councils, and the replacement of IPPIS with the University Transparency and Accountability Solution (UTAS).