The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has issued a two-week ultimatum to the Federal Government to address its demands for improved welfare and administrative conditions in public universities, warning of an impending nationwide strike.
The announcement was made during a press conference at Abia State University (ABSU), Uturu, on Friday, where Mrs. Happiness Uduk, ASUU’s Zonal Coordinator for the Calabar Zone, emphasized the urgency of meeting these demands.
Uduk stated that the government’s failure to fulfil commitments under the 2009 FG-ASUU agreement, led to stagnant salary scales and minimal welfare improvements over the past 15 years.
She stated, “ASUU members have been on the same salary scale for 15 years without any change. We urge the government to complete the negotiations initiated over 13 years ago, under different teams, and take into account current economic realities such as inflation and exchange rates.”
Key issues ASUU is pressing for include the renegotiation of terms related to the revitalization fund for public universities, payment of academic allowances, withheld salaries, high taxation, and alleged victimization of ASUU members.
Uduk also reiterated ASUU’s demand for the removal of its members from the Integrated Personnel Payroll System (IPPIS), advocating for the use of the University Transparency and Accountability Solution (UTAS) or similar platforms developed internally by universities.
She called on the Abia Government to promptly settle the 11-month salary arrears owed to ABSU lecturers and criticized the use of the Treasury Single Account for salary payments.
She also brought to liight grievances at Ebonyi State University, where some members have allegedly been suspended without pay for over two years, calling for their immediate reinstatement.
Uduk further proposed replacing the Federal Government’s student loan scheme with grants to ease financial burdens on students and enhance academic pursuits.
She called for a halt to the proliferation of universities and advocated for increased funding to improve standards in existing institutions.
The ASUU coordinator concluded by stressing that ongoing engagement with stakeholders is aimed at urging the government to act swiftly.
”If the issues remain unresolved, ASUU plans to commence a nationwide strike in two weeks,” she declared.