Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has issued a fresh 14-day ultimatum for federal government to resolve lingering issues affecting its members.
Gatekeepers News reports that this comes after the expiration of the previous 21-day ultimatum issued by the union before FG began negotiating with it.
The President of the union, Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke issued the ultimatum through a statement released on Wednesday.
The union demanded the conclusion of renegotiation of the 2009 FGN/ASUU Agreement based on the Nimi Briggs Committee’s Draft Agreement of 2021 and payment of salaries withheld due to the union’s eight-month industrial action in 2022.
Osodeke expressed frustration with FG’s lack of commitment and delay tactics, adding that the actions are fueling a crisis in the public university system.
The statement goes, “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.”
Also, ASUU demanded the release of unpaid salaries for staff on sabbatical, part-time, and adjunct appointments affected by Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System, and the payment of outstanding third-party deductions such as check-off dues and cooperative contributions.
It also requested for a revitalization of public universities and payment of Earned Academic Allowances partly captured in the 2023 budget, among other demands.
