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By Myke Agunwa
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has issued a fresh 14-day ultimatum to the Federal Government, warning that failure to meet its demands could result in a total shutdown of public universities across the country.
The union’s position was made known in a communiqué released on Monday after the conclusion of its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held at the University of Abuja. Signed by ASUU National President, Professor Christopher Piwuna, the statement said the union was compelled to take the hard stance following what it described as the government’s persistent neglect of public universities and the welfare of lecturers.
ASUU warned that if the Federal Government does not act within the two-week window, it would first embark on a two-week warning strike before escalating to an indefinite strike that could cripple academic activities nationwide.
The union listed several unresolved issues that have plagued Nigeria’s university system for years. Chief among them is the renegotiation of the 2009 ASUU-FGN Agreement, which covers improved conditions of service for academic staff and better funding of universities.
Also on the list of demands are the revitalisation of dilapidated public universities, an end to what ASUU termed the “victimisation” of its members in some institutions—including the Lagos State University (LASU), Prince Abubakar Audu University in Kogi, and the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO)—and the payment of outstanding 25–35% salary arrears.
Other demands include resolution of delayed promotion arrears spanning more than four years, and the settlement of outstanding third-party deductions such as cooperative contributions and union dues which the government has allegedly failed to remit.
Professor Piwuna noted that despite repeated protests and engagements by university lecturers, the Federal Government has failed to take concrete steps toward addressing the issues. He accused the government of paying lip service to education while leaving public universities in a state of decay.
“Our patience has been overstretched,” the ASUU President declared. “Despite peaceful protests and numerous reminders, the Federal Government has shown no tangible commitment. We can no longer fold our arms while our universities crumble and our members face untold hardship.”
The union recalled that in recent months, its branches across the country staged protests to highlight the plight of lecturers and students. Yet, the protests yielded no response, further deepening frustration among academic staff.