The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) is on high alert, with its 35-day ultimatum to the Federal Government (FG) set to expire this weekend. The union’s demands, which have been lingering since 2009, remain unmet, sparking concerns of an impending strike.
In 2009, ASUU negotiated an agreement with the FG, which was renegotiated in 2021. However, the government has failed to implement the agreement, leaving ASUU members frustrated. The FG agreed to provide ₦200 billion annually for five years to revitalize underfunded institutions but only made one payment in 2013. Meanwhile, new universities were approved without adequate funding.
ASUU demands:
- Implementation of 2021 Agreement_: Renegotiated from the 2009 agreement, this demand seeks to address outstanding issues.
- Release of Withheld Salaries: ASUU members have gone without salaries for extended periods.
- Payment of Outstanding Deductions: Union dues and other deductions remain unpaid.
- Funding for Public Universities: Adequate funding is essential to revitalize institutions.
- Payment of Allowances: Captured in the 2023 budget, these allowances have been unpaid for over six years.
Today, ASUU stakeholders will convene in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) for a critical meeting, followed by a ‘State of the Nation’ address. This gathering comes on the heels of a previous meeting between ASUU and the FG, which ended with an agreement to resolve contentious issues amicably.
With the ultimatum expiring soon, the education sector holds its breath. Will the FG meet ASUU’s demands, or will another strike loom? The University of Abuja branch of ASUU has already embarked on an indefinite strike, setting the stage for a potential nationwide action.
As the ASUU ultimatum ticks down, the nation waits with bated breath. Will the FG and ASUU find common ground, or will the education sector grind to a halt once more? Only time will tell.