The Ministry of Education is actively working to avert a potential strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU). Folasade Biriowo, the ministry’s Director of Press, assured that measures are being put in place to address the union’s concerns.
ASUU recently issued a 14-day ultimatum to the Federal Government, demanding resolution of outstanding issues or face a strike. Key demands include finalizing the renegotiation of the 2009 FGN/ASUU Agreement, based on the Nimi Briggs Committee’s Draft Agreement of 2021, and addressing withheld salaries from the 2022 strike.
Other critical issues include the release of unpaid salaries for staff on sabbatical and adjunct appointments, funding for public university revitalization outlined in the 2023 Federal Government Budget, and the payment of Earned Academic Allowances. Additionally, ASUU is advocating for the adoption of the University Transparency and Accountability Solution in place of the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS).
ASUU President Emmanuel Osodeke expressed disappointment with the government’s perceived lack of commitment, warning that continued delays could escalate the crisis within the public university system. He stated that the union would hold the government responsible for any disruption arising from its failure to address these matters within the extended timeframe.
