The Federal Government has formed a 31-member committee to begin talks with the Academic Staff Union of Universities to prevent a potential strike.
This was revealed by the Federal Ministry of Education, with the committee set to be inaugurated next Wednesday, October 16, 2024.
This step is part of the government’s efforts to address issues raised by ASUU and avoid disruptions in the academic calendar of universities.
Recently, ASUU gave the government a 14-day ultimatum to resolve long-standing disputes or face another round of industrial action.
Speaking to reporters in Abuja, the Director of Press for the Ministry of Education, Folasade Boriowo, confirmed the government’s move. “The government has started working, and I am sure that ASUU won’t be embarking on a strike because a number of developments are ongoing. A 31-man renegotiation committee has been formed, and they will be inaugurated next Wednesday,” she said.
ASUU’s demands include the completion of the renegotiation of the 2009 FGN/ASUU Agreement, based on the Nimi Briggs Committee’s Draft Agreement of 2021. The union is also asking for the release of salaries withheld during the 2022 strike, along with unpaid wages for staff on sabbatical, part-time, and adjunct roles affected by the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS).
Additionally, ASUU is pushing for the release of outstanding payments for third-party deductions like check-off dues and cooperative contributions, as well as funds for revitalizing public universities and paying Earned Academic Allowances. These issues are partly addressed in the 2023 Federal Government Budget.
ASUU President, Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke, expressed frustration over the government’s delays. “In view of the foregoing, ASUU resolves to give the Nigerian Government another 14 days, in addition to the earlier 21 days, beginning from Monday, September 23, 2024, during which all the lingering issues must be concretely addressed,” Osodeke said.
ASUU warned that it should not be blamed if industrial action resumes due to the government’s failure to act on the union’s demands.
