By DAYO ADESULU
Union Issues Ultimatum as Concerns Over University Funding and Staff Salaries Persist
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has issued a stern warning that it may commence an indefinite strike due to the Federal Government’s failure to honor the agreements made in 2009. This announcement was made by Prof. Timothy Namo, the Bauchi Zonal Coordinator of ASUU, during a press conference held on Friday in Jos.
Ultimatum Issued Following National Executive Council Meeting
Prof. Namo revealed that following a recent meeting of the National Executive Council (NEC) held from August 17 to August 18, the union decided to issue a 21-day ultimatum to the government. He stated, “As we speak, the government has not honored any of the agreements or addressed our concerns.”
After the initial ultimatum expired, ASUU extended its demands with an additional 14-day ultimatum that began on September 23. Namo emphasized that if the situation remains unresolved, the union would hold the federal government responsible for any disruption to public universities.
Key Issues at Stake
During the press conference, Prof. Namo outlined several critical issues that have prompted the looming strike, including:
– **Non-conclusion of the 2009 Agreement**: The ongoing failure to finalize the terms of the original agreement reached over a decade ago.
– **Unpaid Salaries**: The government has not released three and a half months’ worth of salaries for academic staff, nor has it addressed the unpaid salaries of adjunct faculty.
– **Outstanding Third-Party Deductions**: Delays in processing deductions for various third-party obligations have further complicated the financial situations of staff members.
– **Poor University Funding**: The lack of adequate funding for the revitalization of public universities continues to be a significant concern.
– **Earned Academic Allowances**: The union has also highlighted the non-payment of Earned Academic Allowances (EAA) as outlined in the 2023 budget.
– **University Proliferation**: The rapid increase in the number of universities without corresponding support and resources.
– **Implementation of Visitation Panel Reports**: There has been a lack of action on the recommendations provided by visitation panels to various universities.
Call to Action
In light of these pressing issues, ASUU is urging the federal government to take immediate action to address the concerns raised by the union. The potential strike poses a significant threat to the academic calendar and the education sector as a whole, making it imperative for the government to engage with ASUU to find a resolution.
