News
ASUU Threatens Strike with 14-Day Deadline for Government Action
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has delivered a stern 14-day ultimatum to the Federal Government, signaling a potential strike action rooted in unresolved grievances that span more than a decade.
In a statement released by Namo Timothy Aku, the Bauchi Zonal Coordinator, ASUU warned that failure to meet their demands could plunge public universities into another shutdown.
This ultimatum follows a history of strained relations between ASUU and the Federal Government, dating back to the 2009 FGN/ASUU Agreement.
The agreement, meant to address the revitalization of public universities, better funding, and the welfare of academic staff, has remained largely unimplemented, leading to recurrent industrial actions.
Research shows that since 2009, ASUU has embarked on multiple strikes, protesting unmet promises on the same issues: unpaid salaries, university autonomy, and infrastructural development.
The current 14-day ultimatum comes after a 21-day deadline that expired on September 14, 2024, with no meaningful response from the government.
Among the unresolved matters are the re-negotiation of the 2009 agreement, the release of unpaid salaries for academic staff, funding for university revitalization, and the replacement of the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS) with the University Transparency and Accountability Solution (UTAS).
ASUU’s statement draws attention to a 2023 Presidential directive and a court order mandating the exit of universities from IPPIS, which have yet to be enforced.
Furthermore, the union pointed out that despite increased revenue from the removal of oil subsidies and the naira’s devaluation, the government has failed to prioritize education.
Citing past experiences, ASUU argues that the Federal Government’s “time-buying tactics” and reluctance to allocate adequate funds continue to undermine the quality of education in Nigeria.
The union maintains that it has made repeated efforts to engage the government constructively, but the lack of political will and commitment has fueled growing frustration within the academic community.
As ASUU sets another deadline—this time for October 7, 2024—the public awaits the government’s response.
The union made it clear that it should not be blamed for any disruption to academic activities after the ultimatum expires.
APC chieftain Joe Igbokwe has pointed fingers at Nigerian traders for the continued surge in food prices across the country. In a Facebook post on Saturday, the outspoken supporter of President Bola Tinubu’s administration accused traders of being too greedy to reduce their prices.
He added that even as statistics suggest that the cost of food is starting to drop, traders have refused to comply. Furthermore, he expressed frustration, saying the refusal to lower prices shows a deeper problem of selfishness among citizens. According to him, Nigerians are their own worst enemies, driven by greed and a habit of taking more than they need.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is set to travel to Rome this Saturday to attend the inauguration of Pope Leo XIV, the new leader of the Roman Catholic Church. The invitation came directly from Pope Leo XIV, who emphasized the importance of the president’s presence during this significant moment for the Church and a world facing many challenges.
Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, will be officially installed as the 267th Bishop of Rome on Sunday, May 18, at St. Peter’s Square in the Vatican.
President Tinubu will be accompanied by key Catholic figures, including the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Archbishop Lucius Ugorji of Owerri, Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama of Abuja, Archbishop Alfred Martins of Lagos, and Bishop Mathew Hassan Kukah of Sokoto.
Notably, Pope Leo XIV has a special connection to Nigeria, having worked at the Apostolic Nunciature in Lagos during the 1980s. After the ceremony, President Tinubu is expected to return to Abuja on Tuesday, May 20.
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has urged Nigerians to preserve their culture and ensure it doesn’t fade away with time. Speaking through his deputy, Barrister Adebayo Lawal, at the 2025 World Egungun Festival grand finale held in Ibadan, Makinde emphasized the importance of keeping traditions alive.
The event took place at Obafemi Awolowo Stadium in the Oke Ado area and was graced by top dignitaries including Chief Lekan Alabi, who represented the Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, Osun State’s Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Hon. Ojo Abiodun, Prince Adeola Adelakun of Oje Parapo Worldwide, and Oyo State’s own Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Wasiu Olatunbosun.
Makinde stressed that culture and tourism are key focus areas for his administration, and his government is committed to supporting efforts that will keep local traditions thriving. He added that by investing in cultural events and heritage, the state can boost its economy through tourism and increase revenue. He said, “We must not let our culture die. I’m glad to see young people taking part in this celebration, not just the elders.”
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