NATIONWIDE Shutdown! Just Like NLC, ASUU Threatens Fresh Strike, Gives Federal Government Ultimatum, See Details
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has once again. raised alarms over unaddressed grievances, signaling a potential nationwide strike if the Federal Government fails to respond within the next three weeks. The warning came from Salim Ahmed, Chairperson of ASUU at Federal University Dutse (FUD), Jigawa State, during an urgent press conference at the union’s Dutse secretariat.
Ahmed expressed deep concern that the current administration has consistently neglected ASUU’ s leadership since its inception in May 2023. Central to their demands is the renegotiation of the FGN/ASUU 2009 agreement, encompassing critical issues such as members’ welfare, university autonomy, funding for university revitalization, and the proliferation of public universities. Highlighting the urgency of the situation, Ahmed enumerated key unresolved issues including the illegal dissolution of governing councils in federal and state universities, the release of seven months withheld salaries, and the implementation of agreements dating back to 2012. He also cited failures in the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS), which have resulted in unpaid salaries for members on sabbatical and adjunct positions.
The ASUU leader lamented the government’s reluctance to engage in meaningful dialogue despite numerous appeals and efforts from the union’s leadership. He emphasized ASUU’s adherence to principles outlined by the International Labour Organization (ILO) on collective bargaining but noted that all. attempts to convene productive discussions had faltered, In response to this impasse, ASUU at FUD has resolved to mobilize its members and sensitize them for potential industrial action if demands are not met within the stipulated timeframe. Ahmed underscored the gravity of the situation, urging stakeholders and the public to recognize the imminent threat to Nigeria’ s higher education system posed by these unresolved issues. The union’s stance reflects broader discontent among academic staff nationwide, echoing sentiments of frustration and disappointment over what they perceive as the government s disregard for their welfare and the sanctity of agreements. Ahmed concluded by calling on all concerned parties to intervene and compel the federal government to address these issues urgently to avert further disruption to the academic calendar.
This latest development sets the stage for a potential standoff between ASUU and the federal government, reminiscent of past episodes that have disrupted academic activities across Nigerian universities. As the clock ticks towards ASUU’s ultimatum, stakeholders are bracing for possible consequences that could impact students, faculty, and the broader education sector.
The looming threat of a nationwidestrike underscores the systemicchallenges facing higher education inNigeria, where funding, governance,and policy implementation continue tobe contentious issues. With ASUU’s patience wearing thin, the next steps taken by both the union and the government will be critical in determining the future course of University education in the country.
In conclusion, ASUU’s ultimatum represents a pivotal moment in the ongoing struggle to reform and stabilize Nigeria’ s university system.As negotiations intensify, the hopes of students, parents, and educators alike rest on achieving a swift and equitable resolution that prioritizes the long-term sustainability and quality of higher education in Nigeria.