The Ministry of Education is actively working to prevent another strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), following the union’s recent issuance of a 14-day ultimatum to the Federal Government. In an interview with our correspondent in Abuja on Sunday, Folasade Biriowo, the ministry’s Director of Press, assured that steps are being taken to address the issues at hand.
“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 stated.
Last week, ASUU warned that if the government failed to resolve several long-standing issues within the stipulated time frame, it would proceed with industrial action. Key among the union’s demands is the completion of the renegotiation of the 2009 FGN/ASUU Agreement, which is based on the Nimi Briggs Committee’s Draft Agreement of 2021. The union is also seeking the release of withheld salaries related to the 2022 strike.
Additionally, ASUU demands the release of unpaid salaries for staff on sabbatical, part-time, and adjunct appointments affected by the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS). Other requests include the payment of outstanding third-party deductions, funding for the revitalization of public universities as outlined in the 2023 Federal Government Budget, and the payment of Earned Academic Allowances also included in the budget.
The union is also raising concerns over the proliferation of universities by both Federal and State Governments, the implementation of reports from visitation panels to universities, the reversal of the illegal dissolution of Governing Councils, and the adoption of the University Transparency and Accountability Solution as a replacement for IPPIS.
ASUU President Emmanuel Osodeke expressed frustration over what he described as the government’s lack of commitment and delay tactics, warning that these issues are exacerbating the crisis within the public university system.
“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 be concretely addressed to the satisfaction of the union’s membership. The union should not be held responsible for any industrial disharmony that arises from the government’s failure to seize this new opportunity,” Osodeke stated.
The ministry’s proactive measures and ongoing discussions with ASUU aim to create a stable environment for Nigeria’s higher education system and avoid further disruptions.
