The Nigerian Federal Government is taking urgent steps to prevent another round of strikes by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU). With tensions rising over unresolved issues affecting Nigeria’s public universities, both parties are expected to meet on Monday to negotiate and find solutions to avoid a shutdown of university activities.
The potential strike threat looms large following a 21-day ultimatum issued by ASUU to the federal government. This warning was delivered on Wednesday, with the union calling for the administration of President Bola Tinubu to take swift action on unresolved issues that they argue are obstructing the development of the country’s university system.
Professor Emmanuel Osodeke, ASUU’s National President, issued the strike notice during a press conference held at the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture in Umudike, Abia State. According to Osodeke, the union’s demands have remained largely unaddressed for too long, forcing them to take this step to push for tangible improvements.
The main grievances of ASUU revolve around long-standing issues tied to the 2009 agreement between the government and the union. These include matters related to the funding of Nigerian universities, academic staff salaries, welfare, and conditions of service. The union has consistently argued that the federal government has failed to fulfill its obligations under this agreement, despite repeated negotiations.
Seeking to avoid a repeat of previous disruptions to academic calendars, the Minister of Education, Professor Tahir Mamman, has announced that the government is keen on engaging with ASUU to resolve the impasse. Speaking on Thursday during an interview on the TVC program Beyond 100 Days, the Minister disclosed that the government has already sent an invitation to ASUU’s leadership to meet on Monday for discussions.
“We have already sent out notice to the leadership of ASUU for us to meet on Monday.
“On Wednesday, we (government side) reviewed the letter submitted by ASUU and all the issues which are listed in the letter. It is our hope that by Monday we will meet to discuss them.
“Some of the issues are historic in nature; when you talk about the 2009 agreement. This is something that dates back to almost 1981 when they started.
“We have been having a series of conversations with the leadership of ASUU on the issues affecting the university system so that we can, together, address all their concerns”, he said.
