The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has given the Federal Government 14 days to resolve lingering issues affecting Nigeria’s university system or face a nationwide strike.
The ultimatum was contained in a communiqué issued after the union’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held at Yakubu Gowon University (formerly University of Abuja).
ASUU President, Prof. Christopher Piwuna, in a statement on Monday in Abuja, said the move followed the persistent neglect of the education sector and the welfare of lecturers by both federal and state governments.
“If at the end of the 14 days ultimatum the federal government fails to address these issues, the union may have no option than to, first, embark on a two-week warning strike and thereafter, an indefinite strike,” he warned.
He listed unresolved issues to include the renegotiation of the 2009 ASUU-FGN Agreement, sustainable funding, revitalisation of public universities, and payment of outstanding 25–35 per cent salary arrears. Others are unpaid promotion arrears spanning over four years, non-remittance of third-party deductions, and alleged victimisation of members at LASU, KSU and FUTO.
Piwuna said ASUU had repeatedly raised concerns over the past three months through rallies, media engagements and appeals without any concrete response from government.
He called on parents, students, religious and traditional leaders, as well as other stakeholders, to prevail on the government to avert another strike.
“The 14-day ultimatum is an alarm to the Nigerian Government. We believe the Government has the capacity and financial strength to fix Nigerian universities once and for all. As they say, a stitch in time saves nine,” he said.
