Rita Odafe
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) is scheduled to meet with the Tinubu-led Federal Government on July 25, 2024, to discuss their outstanding demands. This decision comes after weeks of protests across university campuses nationwide, involving lecturers and students.
ASUU has been vocal about the government’s failure to fulfill the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in 2009, which covers academic and welfare provisions. The union has warned of a possible industrial action if their demands are not met, adding pressure to the upcoming meeting.
Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke, ASUU’s National President, mentioned that recent protests have influenced the government to engage more seriously with the union’s grievances. ASUU has also published an open letter to President Bola Tinubu, emphasizing the need for full MoU implementation.
Among the issues to be addressed are the release of withheld salaries, funding for university revitalization, earned academic allowances, governance-related concerns, and the transition from IPPIS to University Transparency and Accountability Solutions.
Osodeke urged the government to take action to resolve these longstanding issues, emphasizing the importance of preventing further disruptions to the university system.
