By Abel Daniel

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has given the Nigerian Federal Government a 14-day ultimatum to address ongoing issues affecting university lecturers. This ultimatum follows an earlier 21-day ultimatum that expired without resolution.

Key Demands:

Renegotiation of 2009 FGN/ASUU Agreement: Conclusion of the renegotiation based on the Nimi Briggs Committee’s Draft Agreement of 2021

Payment of Withheld Salaries: Release of unpaid salaries for staff on sabbatical, part-time, and adjunct appointments affected by the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS)

Outstanding Third-Party Deductions: Payment of check-off dues and cooperative contributions

University Funding: Adequate funding for the revitalization of public universities

Earned Academic Allowances: Payment of partially captured allowances in the 2023 budget

University Governance: Implementation of reports from visitation panels, reversal of illegal dissolution of governing councils, and adoption of the University Transparency and Accountability Solution as a replacement for IPPIS

ASUU President, Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke, expressed frustration over the government’s perceived lack of commitment and ongoing delays, warning that such actions exacerbate the crisis in Nigeria’s public university system ¹. The union cautioned that it should not be held responsible for any industrial disharmony arising from the government’s failure to act within this new timeframe.

The 14-day ultimatum began on Monday, September 23, 2024. If the government fails to address these issues, ASUU may embark on an indefinite industrial action.