The Federal Ministry of Education has announced ongoing efforts to avert a potential strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities which recently issued a 14-day ultimatum to the Federal Government to resolve long-standing grievances.
In an interview with The PUNCH, in Abuja on Sunday, the Director of Press at the Ministry of Education, Folasade Biriowo, provided reassurance that proactive measures are being taken.
“I can assure you that everything is being done to prevent the strike from happening. The minister has teams working already so I can give you that assurance,” Biriowo said.
ASUU’s ultimatum comes in the wake of unresolved issues, primarily the renegotiation of the 2009 FGN/ASUU Agreement.
The union is advocating for the conclusion of talks based on the recommendations of the Nimi Briggs Committee, which submitted a draft agreement in 2021.
Additionally, ASUU is demanding the payment of withheld salaries resulting from the 2022 industrial action, alongside salaries owed to staff on sabbatical, part-time, and adjunct positions affected by the Federal Government’s Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System.
Other pressing issues include the release of outstanding third-party deductions such as check-off dues and cooperative contributions.
Another critical aspect of ASUU’s demands is the revitalization of Nigeria’s public universities, which the union argues has been neglected.
This call is partially reflected in the 2023 Federal Government Budget, which also includes allocations for the Earned Academic Allowances, a subject of previous contention between the union and the government.
The union has further criticized the rapid establishment of new universities by both federal and state governments, claiming this exacerbates the resource strains on existing institutions.
ASUU has also called for the implementation of the findings of visitation panels to universities, the reversal of the dissolution of university Governing Councils, and the adoption of the University Transparency and Accountability Solution as a replacement for IPPIS.
In a statement issued last Wednesday, ASUU President, Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke, expressed the union’s deep dissatisfaction with the government’s handling of these matters, accusing it of stalling meaningful progress.
“In view of the foregoing, ASUU resolves to give the Nigerian Government another 14 days, in addition to the earlier 21 days, beginning from Monday, 23rd September 2024 during which all the lingering issues must have been concretely addressed to the satisfaction of the membership of the union. The union should not be held responsible for any industrial disharmony that arises from government’s failure to seize the new opportunity,” Osodeke stated.
As tensions rise, there are growing concerns about the impact another strike could have on Nigeria’s already struggling public university system, with students, parents, and educational stakeholders hoping for a swift resolution.
