Owerri, Nigeria — The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has given the Nigerian government a 14-day ultimatum to address several unresolved issues affecting the nation’s public universities. This move follows a press conference held on Monday, September 30, 2024, by ASUU Zonal Coordinator Dr. Dennis Aribodor, who expressed dissatisfaction with the government’s lack of action on key matters.
Dr. Aribodor highlighted that the government’s inaction has worsened the crisis in public universities, adding, “Lecturers are hungry and angry.” The union’s demands include the renegotiation of the 2009 FGN/ASUU Agreement based on the Nimi Briggs Committee’s Draft Agreement of 2021. ASUU is also calling for the payment of withheld salaries from the 2022 strike, totaling three-and-a-half months, and the release of unpaid salaries for staff on sabbatical, part-time, and adjunct appointments impacted by the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS).
Key Issues Raised by ASUU:
- Renegotiation of the 2009 FGN/ASUU Agreement based on the 2021 Nimi Briggs Committee’s Draft.
- Payment of three-and-a-half months of withheld salaries from the 2022 strike.
- Release of unpaid salaries for sabbatical, part-time, and adjunct staff affected by IPPIS.
- Settlement of outstanding third-party deductions.
- Adequate funding for the revitalization of public universities.
- Payment of Earned Academic Allowances (EAA).
- Addressing the proliferation of universities and implementing visitation panel reports.
- Acceptance of the University Transparency and Accountability Solution (UTAS) as a replacement for IPPIS.
Dr. Aribodor emphasized that while ASUU remains committed to dialogue and collective bargaining, the union would not be held responsible for any industrial unrest that may result from the government’s failure to resolve these issues within the stipulated 14-day period.
“We have given the Nigerian government a final 14-day window to address all these issues, in addition to the earlier 21-day period which began on Monday, September 23, 2024. We cannot be held responsible for any industrial disharmony that arises from the government’s failure to act. The opportunity is now before them to prevent a looming crisis,” Dr. Aribodor stated.
ASUU also urged the Anambra and Imo State governments to address the welfare concerns of its members at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Igbariam, and Imo State University, Owerri.
The union has called on well-meaning Nigerians to pressure the government to meet these demands, as the unresolved issues continue to place a strain on both lecturers and students across the country.
