The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has issued a 14-day ultimatum to the Nigerian government under President Bola Tinubu, demanding the fulfillment of previously agreed-upon promises. Among the union’s key demands are the finalization of the renegotiation of the 2009 FGN/ASUU Agreement, based on the Nimi Briggs Committee’s 2021 Draft Agreement, and the release of withheld salaries from the 2022 strike action.
ASUU President, Emmanuel Osodeke, expressed frustration with the government’s lack of commitment and accused it of using delay tactics. He emphasized that the government’s failure to act is aggravating the already fragile state of Nigeria’s public university system, further endangering academic stability.
The union’s statement highlighted the urgency of addressing the issues, noting that if the government does not resolve the lingering matters within the 14-day window, ASUU should not be blamed for any industrial action that follows. These unresolved issues include the release of unpaid salaries for staff on sabbatical, part-time, and adjunct appointments, as well as the payment of third-party deductions like check-off dues and cooperative contributions.
ASUU also raised concerns about the proliferation of universities by federal and state governments, the implementation of visitation panel reports, and the illegal dissolution of university governing councils. Additionally, the union reiterated its demand for the adoption of the University Transparency and Accountability Solution (UTAS) as a replacement for the controversial Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS).
