The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has issued a 14-day ultimatum to the Federal Government, warning that failure to address its long-standing demands could lead to a nationwide strike.
In a statement released at the University of Abuja, the union’s National Executive Council (NEC) decried what it described as the government’s consistent neglect of the university system and the welfare of academics.
ASUU recalled that in August, its members across federal and state universities held rallies to draw attention to the worsening condition of public universities, but said no meaningful response had come from the government.
The union listed its major demands to include:Renegotiation of the 2009 ASUU-FGN Agreement,Sustainable funding and revitalization of universities,Payment of outstanding 25–35% salary arrears,Resolution of promotion arrears of over four years, Release of withheld third-party deductions and An end to the victimization of members in LASU, Prince Abubakar Audu University (formerly KSU), and FUTO.
ASUU stated that if the government failed to meet these demands within two weeks, it would embark on a two-week warning strike, to be followed by a total and indefinite strike.
The union urged Nigerians, including parents, students, religious and traditional leaders, to prevail on the government to urgently address the challenges facing public universities, stressing that the time to act is now.
