The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has urged the Federal Government to prioritize public education, criticizing it for underfunding universities and mistreating lecturers. At a press conference in Owerri, Imo State, Dennis Aribodor, the Zonal Coordinator of ASUU Owerri Zone, announced that ASUU would shut down universities nationwide in the next 14 days if the government fails to address critical welfare issues.
ASUU cited several unresolved issues, including the renegotiation of the 2009 FGN/ASUU Agreement, unpaid salaries, withheld funds due to the 2022 strike, and the replacement of IPPIS with the University Transparency and Accountability Solution (UTAS). They also called out the government’s failure to implement reforms, such as amending the National Universities Commission Act to prevent the proliferation of universities without adequate funding.
Despite ASUU’s repeated efforts to resolve these matters through dialogue, Aribodor criticized the government’s reliance on delay tactics and empty promises, warning that this approach risks further industrial unrest. The union emphasized the importance of education for national development, urging the government to act immediately.
ASUU’s ultimatum follows a 21-day notice issued earlier in August 2024, as the union continues to advocate for improved conditions in Nigeria’s public university system.
