The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has issued a strict 14-day ultimatum to the Nigerian Federal Government, demanding that long-standing issues affecting the university system be addressed promptly. The federal executive of ASUU reached this decision during its National Executive Council meeting held at the University of Abuja.
ASUU’s demands include the re-negotiation of the 2009 ASUU-FGN Agreement, sustainable funding and revitalization of Nigerian universities, addressing victimization cases in some state universities like LASU, KSU (now Prince Abubakar Audu University), and FUTO, as well as settling outstanding salary arrears and promotion arrears dating back over four years.
The union warned that failure to meet these demands within the 14-day period would compel it to first initiate a two-week warning strike, followed by a total and indefinite strike across universities nationwide. ASUU expressed frustration that previous rallies and negotiations had yielded no significant results and criticized the government’s persistent neglect of university academics and the education sector.
ASUU called on all stakeholders including citizens, traditional and religious leaders, parents, and students to pressure the government to act decisively to prevent further disruption of academic activities. The union emphasized its belief that the Nigerian government has both the capacity and financial strength to resolve the crisis in tertiary education.