By Theophilus Chibuzo Oliver
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has commenced a two-week warning strike following what it described as the Federal Government’s failure to meet its long-standing demands. The union said the decision was reached after several notices and reminders to the government were ignored.
ASUU stated that the warning strike is aimed at compelling the government to honour previously signed agreements and address critical issues affecting Nigeria’s public universities.
The Seven Key Demands
1. Re-negotiation and Implementation of the 2009 ASUU-FGN Agreement
ASUU insists that the Federal Government must either fully implement or renegotiate the 2009 Agreement, which covers key areas such as salaries, working conditions, and university autonomy. Many provisions in the agreement remain unfulfilled more than a decade after its signing.
2. Sustainable Funding for Public Universities
The union is demanding consistent and predictable funding to fix decayed infrastructure, provide modern teaching and research facilities, and improve hostels and classrooms across campuses.
3. Revitalisation of Universities
Closely linked to the funding issue, this demand focuses on the comprehensive renewal of the university system — including academic, administrative, and physical infrastructure — to enhance the quality of education and research.
4. End to the Alleged Victimisation of ASUU Members
ASUU has reported cases of intimidation and unfair treatment of its members in some universities, including Lagos State University (LASU), Prince Abubakar Audu University, and the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO). The union is demanding that such practices be stopped immediately.
5. Payment of Outstanding 25–35% Salary Arrears
The union wants the Federal Government to pay all wage-award arrears that were negotiated but remain unpaid. ASUU argues that the delay violates the spirit of previous agreements.
6. Settlement of Promotion Arrears Spanning Over Four Years
Many lecturers have reportedly faced delayed or withheld promotions since 2020. ASUU is calling for the immediate settlement of these arrears to boost morale and reward academic productivity.
7. Remittance of Outstanding Third-Party Deductions
These are funds deducted from lecturers’ salaries for union dues, cooperatives, and other statutory obligations that the government has allegedly failed to remit. The union says such delays have disrupted welfare and cooperative schemes across campuses.
ASUU maintains that the two-week strike is a warning, not a full shutdown, but warns that failure by the Federal Government to act could lead to a prolonged industrial action.
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