Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has called on the Federal Government to make full use of the remaining 10 days in the one-month window granted to address the long-standing issues affecting Nigerian universities.
The union’s call came as part of the resolutions reached during its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting, held at Taraba State University in Jalingo, between November 8 and 9. The NEC meeting was attended by key ASUU leadership, and a statement was issued on Wednesday by the union’s President, Prof. Chris Piwuna.
ASUU emphasized the need for the Federal Government to take concrete steps towards resolving the persistent challenges in the higher education sector, including salary arrears, poor funding of universities, and inadequate welfare for staff. The union’s leadership expressed concern over the government’s failure to make meaningful progress in negotiations, warning that the remaining time in the one-month period must be utilized wisely to reach a fair and comprehensive agreement.
‘Misleading Statements Threaten Negotiation Process’
In its statement, ASUU also highlighted that some government officials were undermining the negotiation process by issuing public statements that misrepresented the status of discussions and the government’s proposed solutions. The union stressed the importance of transparency and clear communication in ensuring that all parties understand the terms and conditions being discussed.
Prof. Piwuna, in his address, urged the government to show commitment to resolving the issues in a manner that would lead to a sustainable and mutually beneficial outcome for both the academic staff and students.
“We have repeatedly called for the government to fulfill its promises, particularly regarding the welfare of our members and the revitalization of public universities. The next 10 days are critical. It is time for the government to demonstrate a genuine desire for a long-term resolution, not just temporary fixes,” Piwuna stated.
ASUU’s Demands:
Key issues raised by the union include:
- Unpaid salary arrears: ASUU demands the immediate payment of accumulated salaries owed to its members.
- Improved funding for universities: A significant increase in the federal budget allocation to education, particularly for public universities.
- Improved working conditions and welfare: ASUU has called for better remuneration, healthcare, and facilities for academic staff.
The Federal Government has yet to formally respond to ASUU’s latest statement. However, many observers have noted the growing tensions and the potential for a new strike action if the issues remain unresolved.
As the deadline for the one-month window approaches, all eyes will be on the negotiations to see whether a compromise can be reached before the situation escalates further.
