The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has declared a two-week warning strike, beginning from midnight on Monday, October 13, to protest the Federal Government’s failure to meet its outstanding demands.
ASUU President, Mr Chris Piwuna, announced the decision at a news conference on Sunday in Abuja, explaining that it followed the expiration of a 14-day ultimatum issued to the government on September 28.
Piwuna said the ultimatum was meant to give the government time to address lingering issues that had persisted despite several rounds of negotiation.
“The issues include the conclusion of the renegotiated 2009 FGN/ASUU Agreement and release of withheld three-and-a-half months’ salaries,” he stated.
He added that other unresolved matters included the revitalisation and sustainable funding of public universities, payment of outstanding 25 per cent salary arrears, and promotion arrears spanning over four years.
Piwuna also cited the release of withheld third-party deductions and an end to the alleged victimisation of lecturers at Lagos State University (LASU), Kogi State University (KSU), and the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO) as part of the union’s demands.
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Expressing disappointment over the government’s handling of the issues, the ASUU President described its response as “provocative and inconsistent.”
“The documents presented by the government’s renegotiating team were a total departure from the recommendations earlier submitted by the committee led by Alhaji Yayale Ahmed,” he said.
Piwuna appealed for the understanding of students, parents, and the general public, stressing that the strike was aimed at compelling the government to revitalise and reposition the university system for better performance.
“All branches of ASUU are hereby directed to withdraw their services with effect from midnight, Monday, October 13. The warning strike shall be total and comprehensive,” he declared.
