The Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) are currently engaged in a closed-door meeting to address the union’s threat of an indefinite strike.
The meeting, taking place at the headquarters of the Federal Ministry of Education, was convened by the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman. The ASUU delegation is led by its President, Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke.
Approximately 10 days ago, ASUU issued a 21-day strike notice, warning that if their demands are not met, lecturers nationwide will withdraw their services.
The union is demanding the fulfilment of several agreements made with the Federal Government. Key issues include the revitalization fund for public universities, payment of outstanding earned academic allowances, and the release of withheld salaries, promotion arrears, and third-party deductions owed to ASUU members.
Additional concerns involve the cessation of illegal recruitments, the proliferation of public universities, the abuse of university laws, regulations, and processes, as well as the removal of universities from the Treasury Single Account (TSA).
ASUU is also pushing for the introduction of a new Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS) to enhance university autonomy.
In his remarks before the meeting, the Minister of Education expressed the government’s commitment to taking necessary actions to prevent a crisis in the nation’s universities.
ASUU President Prof. Osodeke reiterated the union’s demands, urging the government to fulfil its commitments to ensure industrial harmony.
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