The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has issued a 21-day ultimatum to the Federal Government, demanding that it address the union’s long-standing grievances, in accordance with labor laws.
This decision was reached during ASUU’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting, which took place at the University of Ibadan on August 17th and 18th, 2024.
According to sources reported by the Sun Newspaper, the NEC has also instructed ASUU branches nationwide to conduct referendums to determine the union’s next steps, which may include an indefinite strike, a staggered strike, or other forms of protest in response to the government’s continued inaction.
ASUU’s demands include the renegotiation of the 2009 FG/ASUU agreement, payment of withheld salaries, adoption of the University Transparency and Accountability Solution (UTAS) for salary payments, settlement of promotion arrears, halting the proliferation of universities, revitalization of public universities, payment of outstanding Earned Academic Allowances, and an end to the alleged victimization of union leaders.
Additionally, the union expressed concern over the non-payment of salaries at several state universities. ASUU had previously indicated that the federal government promised to address these issues in the 2023 budget, but this commitment was not fulfilled, leading to the current deadlock.
ASUU has a history of resorting to industrial action when the government fails to honor agreements. The results of the upcoming referendums at university branches will determine the union’s next course of action.
