The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and the Federal Government of Nigeria have a long history of disputes, primarily due to unmet agreements and funding issues. This ongoing conflict has once again come to the forefront as ASUU has issued a 21-day ultimatum to the Federal and State Governments to address the “outstanding issues” hindering the development of Nigeria’s universities.
ASUU National President, Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke, announced the ultimatum during a press conference at Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia, on Wednesday. The press conference followed the union’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held from August 17 to 18 at the University of Ibadan. Prof. Osodeke stated that the union would reconvene after the 21-day notice to decide on the next steps. He condemned the Federal and State Governments’ reluctance to resolve the issues raised by ASUU and criticized the slow intervention by the Minister of Education.
The unresolved issues include the review and signing of the renegotiated 2009 FGN-ASUU Agreement, funding for public universities, payment of outstanding academic allowances, release of withheld salaries, and promotion arrears. Other concerns are the stoppage of illegal recruitments, proliferation of public universities, and the removal of universities from the Treasury Single Account and IPPIS to ensure university autonomy.
ASUU’s demands for substantial funding for the revitalization of public universities have been a significant point of contention. The union criticizes the government’s approval of new universities without adequate funding, arguing that it dilutes resources and affects the quality of education. Additionally, delays in the payment of earned academic allowances, withheld salaries, and promotion arrears have further strained the relationship between ASUU and the government.
Prof. Osodeke also highlighted the government’s failed promises, which led to the nationwide strike from February to October 2022. He announced that ASUU has declared September 10, 2024, as Victimised Lecturers’ Day to show solidarity with persecuted members and protest labor-management crises at various universities. Additionally, ASUU rejected the Federal Government’s plan to divert TETFund’s intervention grants to the Students’ Education Loan Scheme, arguing that it contradicts the original purpose of the Education Tax Fund.
The press conference was attended by ASUU officials, including the Zonal Coordinator of ASUU Owerri Zone, Prof. Dennis Aribodor. As the 21-day ultimatum looms, the academic community and the nation await the government’s response to these pressing issues.
