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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.
It was reported that former Nigerian president Goodluck Jonathan has allegedly purchased a presidential candidate form for the 2027 elections.
It can be noted that Jonathan served as Nigeria’s president from 2010 to 2015.
This information was revealed by Sani Useni, a special assistant who made the claim. Many reacted to the news, with some expressing interest in seeing Jonathan return to power after staying relatively quiet politically since his administration ended.
However, Jonathan has not yet addressed the public or officially shared any presidential ambition.
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has reacted to the recent abduction incident in Oyo State.
It can be recalled that schools were attacked by armed men, with some teachers and students reportedly taken. Some people were also killed during the attack.
CAN cried out on behalf of the public, stating “It is intolerable, disgraceful and utterly unacceptable that Nigerian children can no longer sit safely in classrooms without the fear of being kidnapped by armed gangs.”
The organisation also stated that Nigerians are tired of constantly mourning and questioning when something will finally be done to stop the violence.
The Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, has revealed that seven teachers were abducted following a recent attack on a school in the state.
It was also shared that the number of students taken is still being investigated.
The governor further revealed that some people were killed during the attack and abduction.
He also added “With the pressure on the terrorists and the bandits in the North-West, they will keep moving southward.”
“When you have pressure in one place, we must be prepared on this side to either repel or neutralise any terrorists fleeing the pressure points.”
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