The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has urged the Federal Government to engage with the leadership of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) in light of a recent strike threat.
NANS expressed concern that a strike at this juncture would be detrimental. Senate President Akinteye Babatunde emphasized the need for dialogue between the government and ASUU, especially following ASUU’s announcement of a fresh 14-day ultimatum over stalled negotiations.
“We are calling on the Federal Government to meet with ASUU to discuss their concerns, as a strike is not advisable at this time,” Akinteye stated during an interview in Abuja.
ASUU has outlined several unresolved issues in its ultimatum, including the need to conclude negotiations based on the 2009 FGN/ASUU Agreement and the Nimi Briggs Committee’s Draft Agreement from 2021. They are also seeking the release of withheld salaries stemming from the 2022 strike.
Additional demands include the payment of unpaid salaries for staff on sabbatical, part-time, and adjunct appointments, as well as outstanding third-party deductions like check-off dues and cooperative contributions.
ASUU is advocating for funding to revitalize public universities, as indicated in the 2023 Federal Government Budget, alongside payment of Earned Academic Allowances also captured in the budget.
Further issues highlighted by ASUU involve the proliferation of universities by federal and state governments, the implementation of visitation panel reports, the reversal of the unlawful dissolution of Governing Councils, and the adoption of the University Transparency and Accountability Solution to replace the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS).
ASUU President, Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke, expressed frustration over the government’s perceived lack of commitment and use of delay tactics, stating that such actions exacerbate the crisis in the public university system.
The union has called upon stakeholders and concerned Nigerians to pressure the government to address these pressing issues.
“In light of the current situation, ASUU has resolved to grant the Nigerian Government an additional 14 days, starting from September 23, 2024, to adequately address these lingering matters to the satisfaction of our members,” the statement read.
ASUU warned that it should not be held accountable for any industrial unrest arising from the government’s failure to act on this latest opportunity to prevent a crisis.
