The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has given the federal government 14 days to resolve outstanding issues in Nigeria’s university system or face a nationwide strike.
The ultimatum was issued in a communiqué released after the union’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held at Yakubu Gowon University, formerly the University of Abuja.
ASUU President, Christopher Piwuna, announced the decision in a statement made available to journalists in Abuja on Monday. He explained that the ultimatum became necessary due to the continued neglect of the education sector and poor welfare of lecturers by both federal and state governments.
“If at the end of the 14 days the government fails to act, we may embark on a two-week warning strike, followed by an indefinite strike,” Piwuna warned.
He recalled that ASUU had, over the past three months, raised concerns through media briefings, campus rallies, and appeals, but received no concrete response.
According to him, unresolved issues include:
Renegotiation of the 2009 ASUU-FGN Agreement
Sustainable funding and revitalisation of public universities
Payment of outstanding 25–35 percent salary arrears
Settlement of promotion arrears spanning four years
Remittance of third-party deductions
Alleged victimisation of members at LASU, KSU, and FUTO
Piwuna urged Nigerians, including parents, students, religious leaders, and traditional rulers, to prevail on the government to act swiftly and avert another strike.
“The 14-day ultimatum is a wake-up call to the federal government. We believe the government has both the capacity and financial strength to fix Nigerian universities. A stitch in time saves nine,” he added.
Source: NAN
