Strike Looms as ASUU Members Hold Consultative Meetings Across Campuses

Tension is mounting on Nigerian university campuses as the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) begins nationwide consultations regarding the possibility of a strike. This comes in response to the government’s failure to meet the union’s demands, despite the expiration of an ultimatum on October 6.

Ultimatums Ignored

The current situation stems from ASUU’s dissatisfaction with the Nigerian government’s handling of their concerns. After issuing two ultimatums—the first for 21 days in August and a subsequent 14-day ultimatum starting on September 23—the union claims that the government has not made adequate efforts to address their issues. Despite meetings between Education Minister Tahir Mamman and ASUU on August 28 and September 6, where a subcommittee was established to look into the union’s demands, ASUU’s National Executive Council (NEC) found the progress insufficient during a meeting held on September 19.

In a statement following the expiration of the latest ultimatum, ASUU President Professor Emmanuel Osodeke criticized the government for its lack of commitment, raising concerns about the likelihood of a looming strike.

Consultations Underway

Sources within ASUU confirm that consultative meetings are ongoing across various university branches, with votes being cast on whether to proceed with a strike. A source from a northern university told PREMIUM TIMES that his chapter has already voted in favor of industrial action. Similar meetings are taking place across other campuses, and a decision is expected by Tuesday. Once completed, the NEC will meet to ratify the chapters’ decisions and determine the union’s next course of action.

Key Issues at Stake

At the heart of the dispute is the renegotiation of the 2009 agreement between ASUU and the federal government, which covers the working conditions, salaries, and allowances of academic staff. The agreement, intended to be reviewed periodically, has not been updated in over a decade, leading to frustration among university workers.

Among ASUU’s demands is the full implementation of the 2022 Nimi Briggs Committee’s recommendations for the renegotiation of the agreement. The union is also seeking the discontinuation of the controversial Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS), which it claims is being used to underpay its members. Despite assurances from the education minister that universities would be excluded from IPPIS, ASUU contends that a new version of the same system is still being used.

Other grievances include the non-payment of salaries withheld during ASUU’s 2022 strike, the release of unpaid salaries for staff on sabbatical and adjunct appointments, and the fulfillment of financial commitments outlined in the 2023 federal budget for academic allowances and university revitalization.

The potential for a strike has raised concerns about disruptions to academic calendars, especially as the NEC prepares to announce its final decision in the coming days.