The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has given the Federal Government a 21-day ultimatum to address unresolved issues, warning of further disruption to the academic calendar if their demands are not met.
ASUU President Emmanuel Osodeke highlighted the outstanding issues, including the emergency revitalization fund, payment of earned academic allowances, release of withheld salaries, and stoppage of illegal recruitments.
Osodeke said the other issues include stoppage of illegal recruitments; proliferation of public universities/abuse of universities’ laws, regulations and processes; and removal of universities from the treasury single account and new IPPIS vis-a-vis to herald the autonomy of our universities”.
He explained that the Academic Staff Union of Universities held its National Executive Council meeting at the University of Ibadan, Ibadan, between Saturday 17 and August 18, 2024, where the union undertook a comprehensive review of the outcomes from its engagements with Federal and State Governments on various outstanding issues that have encumbered the development of Nigerian universities and “hindered university workers’ drive to reposition them for the transformation of Nigeria.”
He stated, “The meeting further appraised worsening living and working conditions in our universities and the nation at large. The meeting received alarming reports on the failed promises of the Government to address the lingering issues that forced the union to embark on the nationwide strike action of February-October 2022.
“Seasoned and experienced scholars have continued to flee to countries that are less resource-endowed, but where their expertise is better appreciated. Reports presented to NEC indicate that the government does not appreciate the enormity of the problem and the dire need to arrest the ugly trend with utmost urgency.
The union condemned the government’s refusal to address these issues, despite numerous engagements and a previous strike action in 2022. ASUU expressed concern over the brain drain of scholars fleeing to other countries and the government’s lack of urgency in addressing the crisis.
After extensive deliberations, ASUU resolved to give the government 21 days to address the outstanding issues, threatening to take appropriate action if their demands are not met.
ASUU emphasized its belief in national dialogue, rejecting divisive practices and advocating for collective happiness and peaceful coexistence.
The academic community and students await the government’s response to ASUU’s ultimatum, hoping for a resolution to avoid further disruption to the academic calendar.
