The Academic Staff Union of Universities has issued a two-week ultimatum to the Federal Government to resolve long-standing issues in Nigeria’s higher education sector or face a nationwide strike – www.naijnaira.com reports.
The communiqué was released after ASUU’s National Executive Council meeting at Yakubu Gowon University, formerly known as University of Abuja.
ASUU President, Professor Christopher Piwuna, in a statement shared with journalists in Abuja, warned that the union would first embark on a two-week warning strike before moving into an indefinite strike if demands were ignored.
According to Piwuna, “If at the end of the 14 days ultimatum the federal government fails to address these issues, the union may have no option than to, first, embark on a two-week warning strike and thereafter, an indefinite strike.”
He explained that for three months, the union had raised alarms through rallies, press engagements, and appeals, yet the government had not taken meaningful action.
Key demands include the renegotiation of the 2009 ASUU-FGN Agreement, adequate funding, revitalisation of universities, and settlement of 25 to 35 percent salary arrears.
The union also mentioned promotion arrears of over four years, unpaid deductions for third parties, and alleged intimidation of members in LASU, KSU, and FUTO.
Piwuna urged parents, students, and community leaders to press the government to intervene immediately to prevent a shutdown of universities.
“The 14-day ultimatum is an alarm to the Nigerian Government,” he said, stressing that government has both the means and responsibility to restore the nation’s universities.
He added, “As they say, a stitch in time saves nine.”
Article updated 28 minutes ago. Content is written and modified by multiple authors.
