The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has issued a critical 14-day ultimatum to the Federal Government, demanding immediate action on several pressing issues affecting the university system.

ASUU’s primary demands include the completion of negotiations regarding the 2009 FGN/ASUU Agreement, based on the 2021 Nimi Briggs Committee Draft Agreement, as well as the release of salaries withheld due to the 2022 strike.

In a statement released on Wednesday, ASUU President Emmanuel Osodeke voiced frustration over the government’s ongoing delays and lack of commitment, warning that these unresolved issues are worsening the crisis within public universities. “Given these circumstances, ASUU has decided to extend the deadline to 14 days, in addition to the previous 21 days, starting from Monday, September 23, 2024. It is essential that all lingering matters be adequately addressed to the satisfaction of our union members,” the statement read.

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The union stressed that it should not bear responsibility for any industrial unrest that might occur if the government fails to take this critical opportunity to resolve the impending crisis.

Key demands from ASUU include not only the implementation of the 2021 agreement but also the release of unpaid salaries for staff on sabbatical, part-time, and adjunct appointments affected by the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS). Furthermore, the union is insisting on the payment of outstanding third-party deductions, including check-off dues and cooperative contributions.

ASUU is also calling for enhanced funding to revitalize public universities, as outlined in the 2023 Federal Government Budget, along with the disbursement of Earned Academic Allowances. Additional concerns highlighted by the union involve the rapid increase in new universities established by both federal and state governments, the implementation of visitation panel reports, the reversal of the unlawful dissolution of Governing Councils, and the adoption of the University Transparency and Accountability Solution as a replacement for the IPPIS system.