By: Chioma Madonna Ndukwu
ASUU Gives FG 14-Day Ultimatum, Threatens Indefinite Strike
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has issued a 14-day ultimatum to the Federal Government, warning that failure to address its long-standing demands could lead to an indefinite strike across public universities.
The decision was announced after the union’s National Executive Council meeting held on Sunday at the University of Abuja.
ASUU’s National President, Chris Piwuna, in a statement, said the union is deeply concerned about what it described as the persistent neglect of the Nigerian university system.
He recalled that in August this year, lecturers in both federal and state universities staged peaceful rallies on their campuses, carrying placards to draw government’s attention to the challenges in the sector, but no action was taken to address the issues raised.
According to the union, the government’s attitude towards university education shows a pattern of indifference and disregard for both the welfare of lecturers and the quality of public institutions.
It accused the authorities of failing to fulfil promises made in the re-negotiation of the 2009 ASUU-FGN agreement, while also ignoring urgent matters such as revitalisation of infrastructure, payment of outstanding salaries and allowances, backlog of promotions, and remittance of third-party deductions.
ASUU further alleged that some of its members in institutions like Lagos State University, Prince Abubakar Audu University, and the Federal University of Technology Owerri have been unfairly victimised, even as the union continues to call for fairness and protection of academic freedom.
The body insisted that these unresolved issues cannot be overlooked any longer and that the Federal Government has both the capacity and the financial means to bring lasting solutions if the political will exists.
The union stated clearly that if the government fails to take meaningful steps within the next two weeks, it will have no option but to embark on industrial action, starting with a two-week warning strike before escalating to a total and indefinite strike that could shut down academic activities nationwide.
ASUU appealed to Nigerians, including parents, students, religious and traditional leaders, as well as other stakeholders in the education sector, to pressure the government to act.
It stressed that saving Nigeria’s public universities is not only in the interest of lecturers but also vital for the country’s future, warning that further delay could worsen the already fragile state of higher education.
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