ASUU Threatens Nationwide Strike Over Five Key Issues

ASUU Threatens Nationwide Strike Over Five Key Issues

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has issued a 21-day ultimatum to the Federal Government, warning of a potential nationwide strike due to unresolved issues in Nigeria’s educational sector. The announcement was made in July during a press briefing in Damaturu, Yobe State, by the Chairman of ASUU’s Gashua branch, Melemi Abatcha.

ASUU has raised five major concerns contributing to the strike threat:

1. Inadequate University Funding
   ASUU has expressed deep concern over the insufficient funding for the revitalization of Nigerian public universities. The union highlighted poor infrastructure, inadequate staff and student accommodation, and under-equipped laboratories and libraries as critical issues.
2. Renegotiation of the 2009 Agreement
   The union is frustrated by the government’s delay in renegotiating the 2009 agreement, which has left academic staff stuck on the same salary structure for over a decade. Despite the recommendations of three consecutive committees, the government has only offered a small 25–35% salary increase, bypassing proper collective bargaining procedures.
3. Issues with IPPIS
   ASUU remains dissatisfied with the continued use of the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS) for paying lecturers, despite a directive from the Federal Executive Council in December 2023 to remove the union from the platform. The union views IPPIS as unsuitable for the university system.
4. University Autonomy and Proliferation
   The erosion of university autonomy and the unchecked proliferation of public universities are also key concerns. ASUU argues that the rapid establishment of new universities without adequate funding or infrastructure is detrimental to the quality of education in the country.
5. Unpaid Allowances and Withheld Salaries
   A backlog of earned academic allowances amounting to N50 billion, coupled with the withheld salaries of ASUU members for three-and-a-half months, is further fueling the threat of a strike.

With these issues unresolved, ASUU has warned the government that it may be forced to call for another nationwide strike, potentially disrupting the academic calendar once again.