Strike Threat: NANS Urges FG To Engage ASUU

Following the recent 14-day ultimatum issued by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has urged the Federal Government to meet with ASUU leadership to address their demands and prevent a potential strike.

NANS said that another ASUU strike would not be in the best interest of students at this time.

NANS Senate President, Akinteye Babatunde, emphasized the importance of dialogue between the government and ASUU to avoid a strike that would lead to the disruption to the academic calendar. He noted that another strike would exacerbate the challenges faced by students and the education system.

“We are asking the Federal Government to meet with ASUU and have a meaningful discussion because a strike at this point in time is not advisable,” Akinteye stated, stressing the need for immediate intervention.

ASUU had earlier issued a 14-day ultimatum on Wednesday, citing dissatisfaction with the ongoing negotiations with the government. The union’s demands include the completion of the renegotiation of the 2009 FGN/ASUU Agreement, based on the 2021 Draft Agreement by the Nimi Briggs Committee, as well as the release of withheld salaries due to last year’s strike action.

ASUU is also calling for the payment of unpaid salaries for staff on sabbatical, part-time, and adjunct positions affected by the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS). In addition, they demand the settlement of outstanding third-party deductions, such as check-off dues and cooperative contributions.

Another key issue raised by the union is the revitalization of public universities, with funding provisions partly captured in the 2023 Federal Government Budget. ASUU is also pushing for the payment of Earned Academic Allowances, as well as addressing the proliferation of universities by federal and state governments.

ASUU further demands the implementation of reports from visitation panels to universities, the reversal of the illegal dissolution of Governing Councils, and the adoption of the University Transparency and Accountability Solution (UTAS) as a replacement for IPPIS.

ASUU President, Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke, expressed frustration over the government’s lack of commitment, warning that the delay in addressing these issues was deepening the crisis in Nigeria’s public universities.

In a statement released on Wednesday, Osodeke noted that ASUU had consulted with several stakeholders and was calling on well-meaning Nigerians to urge the government to address these lingering matters. He warned that the union should not be held responsible for any industrial disharmony that may arise if the government fails to act.

“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 be concretely addressed to the satisfaction of the membership of the union,” the statement read.

ASUU also cautioned that failure to address these demands within the set timeframe would leave the union with no choice but to take further action. The union urged the government to seize the opportunity to resolve the crisis before it escalates.

As the clock ticks on the ASUU ultimatum before a strike, Nigerian students under the aegis of NANS, parents, and university staff anxiously await the government’s response, hoping for a resolution that will avert another round of industrial action and preserve the stability of the academic calendar.
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