The Ministry of Education has announced efforts to prevent a looming strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).
The ministry’s Director of Press, Folasade Biriowo, made this known during an interview in Abuja on Sunday, assuring that measures are being taken to address the concerns raised by the university lecturers.
“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.
This development comes after ASUU issued a 14-day ultimatum to the Federal Government last week, demanding the resolution of several unresolved issues. Failure to address these concerns, the union warned, would lead to another strike.
ASUU’s demands include the conclusion of the renegotiation of the 2009 FGN/ASUU Agreement based on the Nimi Briggs Committee’s 2021 Draft Agreement, as well as the release of salaries withheld following the 2022 strike action. Additionally, the union is pushing for 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 key issues raised by ASUU include funding for the revitalization of public universities, payment of Earned Academic Allowances, the reversal of the dissolution of Governing Councils, and the implementation of university visitation panel reports. The union is also calling for the adoption of the University Transparency and Accountability Solution (UTAS) as a replacement for IPPIS.
ASUU President, Emmanuel Osodeke, expressed frustration with the government’s handling of these matters in a statement issued last Wednesday. He criticized the administration for its lack of commitment and delay tactics, which he said are exacerbating the crisis in public universities.
“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 this period, 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 the government’s failure to seize this new opportunity,” Osodeke warned.
As the deadline approaches, the Ministry of Education is working to find a resolution and prevent a repeat of the prolonged strike that disrupted academic activities in 2022.
