The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has issued the federal government a fresh 14-day pre-strike notice.
ASUU has long insisted on the review and signing of its renegotiated 2009 agreement with the federal government, along with the establishment of an emergency revitalization fund for public universities, the payment of outstanding earned academic allowances, and the release of withheld salaries.
The union is also demanding the resolution of promotion arrears and the rectification of third-party deductions affecting its members.
Additionally, ASUU has expressed grievances regarding what it deems illegal recruitment practices, the excessive proliferation of public universities, and the misuse of university laws.
The union seeks the removal of universities from the Treasury Single Account and the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS) to ensure greater financial autonomy for institutions.
In August, ASUU issued a 21-day notice to the federal government indicating the potential for a nationwide strike based on these unresolved issues.
This notice was set to expire on September 8, after which ASUU would determine its course of action, including the possibility of protests and a nationwide strike.
Following unsuccessful negotiations and unfulfilled agreements, the federal government reconvened talks with ASUU on September 9.
A joint committee, comprising ASUU, the Education Ministry, the National Universities Commission (NUC), and the Labour Ministry, was established to address all outstanding issues.
During this period, the federal government permitted public tertiary institutions to manage endowment funds independently of the Treasury Single Account.
ASUU was tasked with providing detailed information regarding unpaid salaries for university staff on sabbatical, part-time, and adjunct contracts that have arisen from the government’s implementation of the IPPIS payroll system.
It was also requested to outline outstanding third-party deductions for submission to the Accountant General’s office.
According to Punch, ASUU has resolved to grant the federal government a new 14-day ultimatum to address these demands.
Emmanuel Osodeke, the ASUU president, stated that the countdown for this ultimatum begins on September 23.
The president cautioned that the union would not be liable if the government incurs a strike due to its failure to act within this new timeframe.
