ASUU issues 21-day strike notice over unmet demands

Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has issued a 21-day ultimatum to the Federal Government to accede to its demands, or face a showdown by the association.

The notice was issued during its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held at the University of Ibadan (UI). A source, who confirmed the development to The Guardian said: “This is not an ultimatum, but a formal strike notice. We are providing a 21-day notice before we proceed with the strike.

“The notice complies with labour laws, ensuring that ASUU’s actions adhere to legal requirements.” The union had previously threatened to embark on strike following Federal Government’s failure to implement its agreement with the university teachers.

On June 26, the Minister of Education, Prof Tahir Mamman, invited the union for discussions to address the issues and prevent the planned strike. ASUU President, Prof Emmanuel Osodeke, reported that the agreements reached during the meeting had not been implemented.

The union’s demands include the non-implementation of the 2009 re-negotiated agreements, which had been pending for over six years, and accumulated academic allowances that remained unpaid.

Osodeke also highlighted the need for revitalisation funds, pointing out that only one payment has been made towards the agreed N200 billion yearly for five years since 2013.

Additionally, he criticised the government for approving new universities without adequate funding, contributing to the ongoing challenges in the higher education sub-sector.