Rita Odafe
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has issued a new warning to the Federal Government with a 14-day deadline to resolve pressing issues affecting the university system.
ASUU is advocating for the finalization of the renegotiation process linked to the 2009 FGN/ASUU Agreement, particularly reflecting the Nimi Briggs Committee’s Draft Agreement from 2021, alongside the payment of salaries that were withheld following last year’s strike.
In a statement released on Wednesday, ASUU President Emmanuel Osodeke expressed discontent with the government’s unresponsiveness and procrastination, emphasizing that these factors are exacerbating the challenges within public universities.
“Consequently, ASUU has decided to set a new 14-day timeline, starting from Monday, September 23, 2024. Within this period, all outstanding issues must be resolved to meet the expectations of our membership.
“We urge that the union should not bear the blame for any unrest that may occur due to the government’s inability to utilize this renewed chance provided by ASUU to prevent a potential crisis,” the union stated.
In addition to implementing the 2021 agreement, ASUU is pressing for the payment of overdue salaries for part-time, sabbatical, and adjunct staff impacted by the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS), along with the settling of outstanding deductions for third parties, including check-off dues and cooperative payments.
Moreover, ASUU seeks increased funding aimed at the revitalization of public universities, which is also reflected in the 2023 Federal Government Budget, as well as the payment of Earned Academic Allowances, as outlined in the same budget.
Additional concerns include the rapid increase in the number of universities launched by the Federal and State Governments, the implementation of visitation panel reports, the reversal of the illegitimate dissolution of Governing Councils, and the transition to the University Transparency and Accountability Solution as a substitute for IPPIS.
