The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has issued a 21-day ultimatum to Nigeria's federal and state governments, demanding the resolution of several longstanding issues or face a nationwide strike.
This ultimatum, announced on August 22, 2024, signifies the persistent challenges within Nigeria's higher education sector.
ASUU National President Emmanuel Osodeke made the union's intentions clear during a press conference at the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, in Abia.
The press conference followed the union’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held between August 17 and 18 at the University of Ibadan. Osodeke stated that the union would reconvene at the end of the 21-day notice to decide on further actions if their demands were not met.
The key issues highlighted by ASUU include:
1. Review and Signing of the Renegotiated 2009 FGN-ASUU Agreement: This agreement is crucial for addressing various academic and administrative concerns within universities.
2. Adequate Funding for Universities: This includes the Emergency Revitalisation Fund necessary for the development and maintenance of public universities.
3. Payment of Outstanding Academic Allowances: Many university staff have not received their earned allowances, which has been a significant point of contention.
4. Release of Withheld Salaries and Promotion Arrears: The delay in salary payments and promotion arrears has affected the morale and financial stability of university staff.
5. Stoppage of Illegal Recruitments and Proliferation of Public Universities: ASUU criticized the rapid increase in the number of public universities without corresponding improvements in funding and infrastructure.
6. Misuse of University Laws and Regulations: There have been instances of abuse of university laws, which ASUU wants to be addressed.
7. Removal of Universities from the Treasury Single Account and New IPPIS: ASUU argues that these financial policies hinder the autonomy of universities.
Osodeke also condemned the slow pace of intervention by the Minister of Education in resolving these issues. He emphasized that the NEC received "alarming reports" on the government's failed promises, which had previously led to a nationwide strike from February to October 2022.
To further highlight their grievances, ASUU declared September 10 as Victimised Lecturers' Day. This day will be used to show solidarity with members who have been unjustly persecuted across various universities and to protest against the ongoing labour-management crises at institutions like Lagos State University, Kogi State University, and the Federal University of Technology Owerri.
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