The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has issued a 21-day ultimatum to both Federal and State Governments to address unresolved issues impacting Nigeria’s universities. The announcement was made by ASUU National President, Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke, at a press conference held at the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia, on Wednesday.
The ultimatum follows the ASUU National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held from August 17 to August 18 at the University of Ibadan. Prof. Osodeke stated that the union would reconvene after the 21 days to decide on further actions if the issues remain unaddressed.
The NEC condemned the government’s perceived reluctance to tackle the issues and criticized the slow pace of intervention by the Minister of Education. Key issues include the review and signing of the renegotiated 2009 FGN-ASUU Agreement, adequate funding for public universities, payment of outstanding earned academic allowances, release of withheld salaries, and promotion arrears.
Additional concerns involve halting illegal recruitments, addressing the proliferation of public universities, ensuring adherence to university laws, and removing universities from the Treasury Single Account. The union is also advocating for the preservation of university autonomy amid new IPPIS regulations.
The union has declared September 10, 2024, as Victimised Lecturers’ Day to express solidarity with members who have been unjustly persecuted and to highlight ongoing labor-management issues at institutions such as Lagos State University, Kogi State University, and Federal University of Technology Owerri.
Prof. Osodeke also criticized the Federal Government’s recent decision to redirect Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) intervention grants to the Students’ Education Loan Scheme, calling it contrary to the fund’s original purpose.
The press conference was attended by ASUU officials, including Prof. Dennis Aribodor, Zonal Coordinator for the ASUU Owerri Zone.
