The Ministry of Education is proactively working to avert another strike from the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU). In a recent statement, the Director of Press emphasized that the ministry is committed to resolving the issues that have led to tensions between the union and the government.
ASUU has issued a 14-day ultimatum to the Federal Government to address various unresolved issues. If these issues remain unaddressed, the union has signaled its intention to initiate a strike.
Key demands from ASUU include concluding the renegotiation of the 2009 FGN/ASUU Agreement, based on the Nimi Briggs Committee’s Draft Agreement of 2021, as well as addressing withheld salaries from the 2022 strike. The union is also calling for the release of unpaid salaries affecting staff on sabbatical and those in part-time or adjunct positions due to payroll system issues. Additionally, ASUU is insisting on the payment of outstanding third-party deductions.
Funding for the revitalization of public universities, highlighted in the 2023 Federal Government Budget, and the disbursement of Earned Academic Allowances are also among the union’s priorities. Other critical issues include the excessive proliferation of universities, the implementation of visitation panel reports, the reversal of the illegal dissolution of Governing Councils, and the adoption of more transparent financial systems like the University Transparency and Accountability Solution in place of the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System.
In a recent statement, ASUU President expressed dissatisfaction with the government’s handling of these matters, suggesting that the delay is exacerbating the crisis within Nigeria’s public university system. He announced a further 14-day grace period beginning September 23, 2024, urging the government to address these issues effectively. Failure to do so may lead to significant industrial unrest in the education sector.
