The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has issued the Federal Government a new 14-day ultimatum to address unresolved issues.
In a statement on Wednesday, ASUU President Emmanuel Osodeke expressed frustration over the government’s perceived lack of commitment and its delay tactics.
President Bola Tinubu’s government has been given a 14-day ultimatum, which begins on Monday, September 23, 2024.
The statement read: “In view of the foregoing, ASUU resolves to give the Nigerian Government another 14 days, in addition to the earlier 21 days, beginning from Monday, September 23, 2024, during which all the lingering issues must have been concretely addressed to the satisfaction of the membership of the union.
“The union should not be held responsible for any industrial disharmony that arises from the government’s failure to seize the new opportunity offered by ASUU to nip the looming crisis in the bud.”
In addition to enacting the 2021 agreement, ASUU is also requesting the disbursement of overdue salaries for employees on sabbatical, part-time, and adjunct appointments impacted by the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System. The union is also calling for the settlement of outstanding third-party deductions like check-off dues and cooperative contributions.
Furthermore, the union is advocating for funding to revitalise public universities, a component partially included in the 2023 Federal Government Budget, as well as the payment of Earned Academic Allowances, which are also partly addressed in the 2023 Federal Government Budget.
Other concerns encompass the expansion of universities by Federal and State Governments, the execution of the visitation panels’ recommendations in universities, the reversal of the unauthorised dissolution of Governing Councils, and the adoption of the University Transparency and Accountability Solution as a substitute for IPPIS.