ASUU Urges Nigerians to Press FG on Unresolved Issues

The Abuja zone of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has urged Nigerians to push the federal government to resolve all outstanding issues with the union to prevent another unnecessary industrial action.

During a press conference on Monday in Abuja, the zonal coordinator of ASUU Abuja, Al-Amin Abdullahi, made this request.

Mr. Abdullahi was represented by Sylvanus Ugoh, the ASUU chairman at the University of Abuja.

He stressed that the future of Nigeria’s public universities and its students should not be compromised because of insecurity, indifference, and political maneuvering.

The press conference aimed to inform Nigerians about the union’s talks with the Federal Government after the recent end of its warning strike.

“We want to reaffirm that the issues include the renegotiation and full implementation of the 2009 ASUU Agreement, which focuses on improving academic autonomy, funding, employee welfare, and revitalizing public universities.

“The immediate release of our members’ salaries, which have been withheld for three and a half months without justification, is also a pressing matter.

“Furthermore, the resolution of significant unpaid arrears, including one year of the 25%/35% wage award and unresolved third-party deductions like cooperative funds and union check-off dues, is still pending,” he stated.

He clarified that the government proposals were brought up during the emergency National Executive Council (NEC) meeting on October 21.

He noted that despite the serious shortcomings, the offers were accepted in good faith to encourage effective resumption of collective bargaining.

“As a result, on October 22, out of respect for our students, parents, the media, NLC, and other supportive Nigerians who backed our cause, NEC decided to suspend the two-week strike.

“We gave the federal government one month to finalize negotiations and show genuine commitment to implement the proposals.

“It has been almost four weeks since the suspension, and it is clear the federal government has not effectively used this goodwill period.

“The administration has not shown the necessary urgency to address the ongoing issues facing public universities,” he said.

Mr. Abdullahi stated that the government must act quickly to avoid another industrial crisis in Nigerian public universities.

He pointed out that the fallout from unpaid salary awards, withheld payments, unremitted deductions, and insufficient funding has been severe, leading to delayed academic calendars, increased financial strain, and disrupted learning experiences for students.

He mentioned that the national goal of nurturing capable future leaders, innovators, and professionals is in significant jeopardy.

The zonal coordinator indicated that a major concern in the federal government’s proposal was related to salaries and working conditions, which fall short of members’ expectations.

He recognized the government’s efforts, such as releasing some third-party deductions and making partial payments of promotion arrears dating back to 2017.

He reiterated that this action was an attempt to build trust, not an actual commitment to resolving the main issues.

According to him, the best way to revitalize public universities is through honest negotiation, not propaganda.

“Nevertheless, when agreements are broken, payments are withheld, or deception replaces genuine dialogue, the union has both a moral and constitutional duty to defend public education and protect its members.

“ASUU will not hesitate to use all legal measures available if the government continues to ignore the challenges that threaten the survival of public universities,” he stated.

The institutions in the Abuja zone include UniAbuja, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Federal University, Lafia, Nasarawa State University, Keffi, and Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai.