The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has notified the Federal Government of its intention to embark on a nationwide strike, giving a 21-day notice. Sources from ASUU’s National Executive Council (NEC) confirmed the development following a meeting held at the University of Ibadan. A formal notice is expected to be sent to the Federal Ministries of Labour and Education.
A member of the NEC clarified, “This is not an ultimatum but a strike notice. We are complying with labor laws by giving 21 days’ notice before any action is taken.”
The union’s decision follows unfulfilled agreements by the Federal Government, some of which date back several years. Despite a June 26 meeting with the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, aimed at resolving ongoing issues in the university system, ASUU President, Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke, stated that the government has yet to implement the agreed-upon terms.
Key concerns include the failure to honor the re-negotiated 2009 agreement and the accumulation of academic allowances owed for over six years. Additionally, the revitalization fund, which was intended to upgrade universities with a yearly N200 billion allocation for five years, remains largely unpaid since 2013.
Osodeke also raised concerns over the government’s approval of new universities without allocating sufficient funds to sustain them, further exacerbating challenges within the educational system.
ASUU plans to reassess the situation after the 21-day period, potentially leading to strike action if no significant progress is made by the government in fulfilling its commitments.