ASUU Delays Strike Decision Pending Government Action
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has postponed the possibility of a strike, indicating that it is contingent upon the Federal Government’s implementation of agreed-upon terms within the next two weeks.
In an interview with the Newsmen on Monday, ASUU President Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke emphasized the union’s stance following unresolved issues with the government.
“We agreed at the meeting convened by the Minister of Education that within two weeks, we will assess the government’s progress,” Prof. Osodeke stated. “If the government fails to implement the agreements reached, we will decide on our next course of action.”
The looming strike threat arose from the government’s failure to fulfill past agreements with ASUU.
Despite a recent meeting called by Prof. Tahir Mamman, Minister of Education, to address the issues affecting universities, ASUU claims that none of their demands have been met.
Key among ASUU’s grievances are the non-implementation of renegotiated agreements dating back to 2009, which include academic allowances overdue for over six years. Additionally, revitalization funds, aimed at upgrading university infrastructure, have seen minimal disbursement despite agreements to raise substantial funds annually.
“Since 2013, only one year’s revitalization fund has been paid out of the agreed five-year plan,” Prof. Osodeke explained. “This delay hampers our ability to attract international students and faculty due to inadequate facilities.”
Furthermore, ASUU highlighted ongoing concerns over the proliferation of universities without adequate funding, exacerbating financial strains on existing institutions.
The union also criticized the government for failing to implement the Federal Executive Council’s directive to exit the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS) for university salary payments.
“Our members continue to be paid via IPPIS, contrary to FEC directives,” Prof. Osodeke lamented, underscoring the government’s inconsistent adherence to agreed-upon measures.
