In response to rising tensions and a potential strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), the Ministry of Education is actively working to resolve outstanding issues that have led to the union's frustrations. Folasade Biriowo, the Director of Press at the Ministry, provided insights during an interview in Abuja, emphasizing the government's commitment to preventing another industrial action.“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.The urgency of the situation is underscored by ASUU's recent announcement, in which the union issued a 14-day ultimatum to the Federal Government. This ultimatum stems from a series of unresolved issues that ASUU believes must be addressed to avoid further disruptions in the academic calendar.Key demands from ASUU include the completion of the renegotiation of the 2009 Federal Government/ASUU Agreement, which is based on the Nimi Briggs Committee’s Draft Agreement of 2021. Additionally, the union is calling for the release of withheld salaries related to the 2022 strike, as well as payments owed to staff on sabbatical, part-time, and adjunct appointments affected by the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS). They are also demanding the payment of outstanding third-party deductions, including check-off dues and cooperative contributions.Another critical aspect of ASUU's demands is the need for enhanced funding for the revitalization of public universities, as outlined in the 2023 Federal Government Budget. They are also seeking the payment of Earned Academic Allowances and addressing concerns regarding the proliferation of universities by both federal and state governments.ASUU President Emmanuel Osodeke expressed his dissatisfaction with the government's perceived lack of commitment and the use of delay tactics, which he believes exacerbate the crisis within the public university system. In a statement released last Wednesday, he warned that failure to address these issues would leave the union with no choice but to proceed with a strike.“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 which 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 stated.
