September 30, 2024
By Samuel Ogunsona
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has given the Federal Government a 14-day ultimatum to resolve the lingering crises affecting public universities.
At a press conference in Owerri on September 30, ASUU zonal coordinator Dr. Dennis Aribodor expressed frustration over the Government’s inaction, citing unresolved issues.
Some of the key demands by by the association includes the renegotiation of 2009 FGN/ASUU Agreement, payment of withheld salaries since 2022 strike, release of unpaid salaries for staff on sabbatical, part-time, and adjunct roles, payment of outstanding third-party deductions among other relevant issues.
Dr. Aribodor warned that ASUU should not be blamed for any industrial unrest resulting from the government’s inaction.
“The union urges all concerned Nigerians to encourage the government to tackle these unresolved issues.
“In light of this, ASUU has decided to give the Nigerian Government an additional 14 days, following the earlier 21 days from September 23, 2024, to resolve these outstanding issues. The union should not be held accountable for any industrial unrest that may result from the government’s failure to act on this opportunity to prevent an impending crisis.
“We urge all concerned Nigerians to encourage the government to tackle these unresolved issues,” Dr. Aribodor stated.
ASUU also called on Anambra and Imo State Governments to address welfare concerns of its members at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University and Imo State University.