The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has warned that its members may resort to industrial action following the Federal Government’s failure to address their demands. This announcement comes as the 21-day ultimatum issued by the union to the government has now expired.
In a statement signed by Comrade Dr. Salim Ahmad, the Chairman of ASUU at Federal University, Dutse, the union emphasized that the Nigerian public should hold the Federal Government accountable for any disruptions in the nation’s universities.
ASUU criticized the administration of President Bola Tinubu for showing no willingness to engage with the union regarding outstanding issues in previous agreements and resolutions. The union pointed out that Nigeria’s public universities have experienced significant industrial unrest over the past four years, resulting in two costly and avoidable strikes.
The statement noted, “The leadership of ASUU has made several concerted efforts to dialogue with government officials, including the President, to address the outstanding issues in the agreement and various memoranda signed between the Union and the Federal Government. Unfortunately, the Tinubu administration, like its predecessor, has been unyielding.”
The 21-day ultimatum, communicated to the government through the Minister of Education in a letter dated August 20, 2024, followed extensive deliberations held by ASUU’s National Executive Council at a meeting in the University of Ibadan from August 17 to 18.
Despite the expiration of the ultimatum, ASUU states that the Federal Government has not demonstrated any genuine commitment to resolving the issues raised. The union warns that the government’s inaction regarding both monetary and non-monetary demands is exacerbating the existing industrial disharmony in Nigeria’s public universities, paving the way for a potential strike.
