FG Forms Teams to Prevent Looming ASUU Strike

The Ministry of Education is actively working to avert another strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU). Folasade Biriowo, the Director of Press in the ministry, assured our correspondent during an interview in Abuja on Sunday that significant measures are being taken to prevent a work stoppage.

“I can assure you that everything is being done to prevent the strike from happening. The minister has teams in place already, so I can provide that assurance,” Biriowo stated.

Last week, ASUU issued a 14-day ultimatum to the Federal Government, urging the resolution of several unresolved issues, or they would proceed with another strike action.

The union is demanding the release of unpaid salaries for staff on sabbatical, part-time, and adjunct appointments affected by the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS). Additionally, ASUU is calling for payment of outstanding third-party deductions, including check-off dues and cooperative contributions.

Key demands also include funding for the revitalization of public universities, as outlined in the 2023 Federal Government Budget, along with the payment of Earned Academic Allowances.

Other contentious issues involve the proliferation of universities by federal and state governments, the implementation of visitation panel reports, the reversal of the illegal dissolution of Governing Councils, and the adoption of the University Transparency and Accountability Solution as a replacement for IPPIS.

ASUU President Emmanuel Osodeke expressed frustration in a statement last Wednesday regarding the government’s lack of commitment and delays, emphasizing that these actions are exacerbating the crisis in the public university system.

“In light of these circumstances, ASUU has decided to extend the deadline by another 14 days, in addition to the previous 21 days, starting Monday, September 23, 2024. During this period, all outstanding issues must be adequately addressed to meet the union’s expectations. The union cannot be held accountable for any industrial unrest resulting from the government’s failure to utilize this new opportunity,” Osodeke asserted.