Looming strike: A call for urgent action on ASUU’s demands
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has once again found itself at the precipice of industrial action, issuing a 14-day ultimatum to the Federal Government of Nigeria. This latest warning underscores the long-standing grievances that continue to plague our nation’s public universities and the urgent need for resolution.
ASUU President Emmanuel Osodeke’s statement on September 23, 2024, encapsulates the frustration of university staff who feel increasingly marginalised by the government’s inaction.
The failure to renegotiate the 2009 FGN/ASUU Agreement, despite the detailed recommendations from the Nimi Briggs Committee’s 2021 Draft Agreement, highlights a disturbing trend of neglect that has serious implications for academic integrity and the future of higher education in Nigeria.
The union’s demands are not merely administrative; they are vital for the sustenance of our educational system. Among the key issues are the immediate release of withheld salaries from the 2022 strike, payment for sabbatical and part-time staff, and a resolution for outstanding third-party deductions. The delays surrounding these payments exacerbate an already fragile university environment, breeding resentment and disillusionment among academic staff.
Moreover, ASUU’s push for improved funding for public universities is critical. The 2023 Federal Government Budget must not only allocate resources but also ensure that these funds are disbursed transparently and effectively.
The call for the payment of Earned Academic Allowances and the implementation of the University Transparency and Accountability Solution (UTAS) to replace the controversial Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS) are equally important. These reforms are essential to restoring trust and ensuring that staff are adequately compensated for their contributions.
The rapid proliferation of universities, both public and private, has led to an alarming dilution of quality and resources. ASUU’s concerns about the government’s inability to manage this growth effectively must be taken seriously. The establishment of new institutions should not come at the expense of the existing ones, which require robust support and oversight to thrive.
Additionally, the union’s call for the reversal of the unlawful dissolution of Governing Councils and the implementation of recommendations from university visitation panels is crucial for reinstating effective governance within the university system.
As the deadline for ASUU’s ultimatum approaches, the responsibility falls squarely on the shoulders of the Federal Government to act decisively. Failure to do so may lead to renewed strikes, which would have dire consequences for academic activities across the country. The academic calendar, already vulnerable from past disruptions, cannot withstand another prolonged closure.
It is essential for the government to recognize that the stakes are not just about salaries or administrative processes; they are about the future of education in Nigeria. A collaborative effort is required to address these issues constructively. Engaging with ASUU in good faith to reach a resolution is not only prudent but imperative for safeguarding the integrity and quality of higher education in Nigeria.
The government must treat ASUU’s ultimatum with the seriousness it deserves. The time for dialogue and action is now. The future of our universities—and, by extension, our society—depends on it.
