ASUU Urges Federal Government to Meet Demands, Threatens Nationwide Strike; Gives Ultimatum
Published by: Oluwapelumi Oluwayemi
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has called on Nigerians to pressure the Federal Government to address its demands for improved welfare and administrative conditions in public universities.
At a news conference on Friday held at Abia State University (ABSU) in Uturu, ASUU Calabar Zone Coordinator, Mrs. Happiness Uduk, stressed the need for both State and Federal Governments to act promptly to prevent an imminent nationwide strike. Uduk announced a two-week ultimatum for meeting these demands, warning that failure to do so would result in industrial action.
She expressed disappointment that the Federal Government has not fulfilled its commitments under the 2009 FG-ASUU agreement, leading to stagnation of salary scales and overall welfare issues.
“The government entered into an agreement with ASUU in 2009. For 15 years, ASUU members have been on the same salary scale without any changes. We urge the government to complete negotiations started over 13 years ago, first with the Babalakin-led team, then the Munzali-led team, and finally the Briggs-led team. Despite completed negotiations, the President has not engaged with us for a year now,” Uduk stated.
She urged the Federal and State Governments to address issues such as revitalization funds for public universities, payment of earned academic allowances and withheld salaries, high taxation, and the victimization of ASUU members.
Uduk also called for the removal of ASUU members in federal universities from the Integrated Personnel Payroll System (IPPIS), advocating for the University Transparency and Accountability Solution or a similar university-origin
ated platform.
