ASUU strike looms as 21-day ultimatum is issued to FG

Another strike is looming as the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has issued a 21-day ultimatum to federal and state governments to address critical issues hindering Nigeria’s universities.

ASUU National President, Professor Emmanuel Osodeke, announced this in a press conference on August 21, 2024.

The press conference took place at Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State.

The ultimatum follows the union’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held from August 17 to August 18 at the University of Ibadan.

Professor Osodeke expressed the union’s frustration with the government’s failure to resolve the ongoing disputes.

These issues include the review and signing of the renegotiated 2009 FGN-ASUU Agreement.

He also highlighted the need for impactful funding for public universities.

The union demands the payment of outstanding earned academic allowances and the release of withheld salaries.

It also calls for the removal of universities from the Treasury Single Account to restore university autonomy.

ASUU has warned that it will reconvene after the 21-day period to decide on the next course of action.

Victimised lecturers’ day

In addition to the ultimatum, ASUU has declared Tuesday, September 10, 2024, as Victimised Lecturers’ Day.

The day will show solidarity with ASUU members unjustly persecuted across Nigerian universities.

Professor Osodeke highlighted ongoing labor-management crises at several institutions.

These include Lagos State University, Kogi State University, and the Federal University of Technology Owerri.

Furthermore, ASUU voiced strong opposition to the Federal Government’s recent decision.

The decision involves redirecting Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) intervention grants to the Students’ Education Loan Scheme.

Professor Osodeke argued that redirecting TETFund grants contradicts the Education Tax Fund’s original purpose of supporting educational development.

The press conference was attended by key ASUU officials, including Professor Dennis Aribodor, Zonal Coordinator of ASUU Owerri Zone, and other union members.

ASUU long history of strikes

ASUU has a long history of strikes dating back to its formation in 1978.

The union was established as a successor to the Nigerian Association of University Teachers, which had been in existence since 1965.

ASUU was formed to advocate for the rights and welfare of academic staff in Nigerian universities.

It also aims to push for better funding and conditions in the educational system.

The first major ASUU strike occurred in 1988, primarily in response to the military government’s refusal to meet the union’s demands for better university funding and academic autonomy.

This strike led to the proscription of ASUU by the government, although the ban was later lifted in 1990.

Throughout the 1990s, ASUU continued to engage in strikes due to the government’s failure to honor agreements made with the union.

These agreements were particularly related to funding, salaries, and university autonomy.

One of the most significant strikes in ASUU’s history took place in 1999, shortly after Nigeria returned to civilian rule.

The union embarked on a nationwide strike to demand the implementation of an agreement reached with the government in 1992.

This strike brought attention to the declining state of Nigerian universities and the need for urgent reforms.

ASUU’s strikes have continued into the 21st century, with major industrial actions occurring in 2003, 2009, 2013, 2017, and 2020.

The reasons for these strikes have consistently revolved around issues of inadequate funding, poor working conditions, and non-payment of earned allowances.

Additionally, the government’s failure to implement past agreements has been a major factor.

FGN-ASUU agreement

The 2009 FGN-ASUU Agreement is a pivotal document in the history of the union’s negotiations with the Nigerian government.

After several months of intense negotiations and strikes, ASUU and the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) reached an agreement in October 2009.

The agreement addressed several key issues, including:

University Funding: The government agreed to significantly increase funding to universities over a five-year period to address issues of infrastructure, facilities, and equipment.

This was intended to bring Nigerian universities up to international standards.

Earned Academic Allowances (EAA): The government committed to paying allowances to university lecturers for various academic activities, such as supervision of postgraduate students and teaching large classes.

These allowances were also intended to cover other academic responsibilities.

Autonomy and Academic Freedom: The agreement also included provisions for increased autonomy for universities and the protection of academic freedom, which ASUU had long advocated for.

Review of Salaries: There was a commitment to regularly review the salaries of academic staff to keep pace with inflation and the cost of living.

Pension Scheme: The government agreed to establish a pension scheme for university staff to ensure their financial security after retirement.

Despite the importance of this agreement, its implementation has been inconsistent.

ASUU has repeatedly accused the government of failing to fully honor the terms of the agreement, particularly regarding funding and earned allowances.

The union has also expressed concerns about the government’s failure to uphold the autonomy of universities.

This failure has led to recurring strikes, as ASUU continues to demand the full implementation of the 2009 agreement.

Factors behind ASUU Strike

Nigerian universities face numerous challenges that have contributed to the ongoing disputes between ASUU and the government.

These challenges include:

Under-funding: One of the most significant issues is the chronic under-funding of universities.

Many universities operate with inadequate budgets, leading to poor infrastructure, outdated equipment, and insufficient resources for research and teaching.

Poor Infrastructure: The physical infrastructure of many Nigerian universities is in a state of disrepair.

Overcrowding and poor maintenance often plague lecture halls, laboratories, libraries, and hostels.

This negatively impacts the quality of education and the overall learning environment.

Brain Drain: The persistent under-funding and poor working conditions in Nigerian universities have led to a significant brain drain.

Many highly qualified academics have left the country in search of better opportunities abroad.

This exodus has weakened the capacity of universities to deliver quality education.

Unpaid Salaries and Allowances: Delays in the payment of salaries and earned allowances have been a major source of tension between ASUU and the government.

These delays create financial hardships for academic staff and contribute to low morale.

Proliferation of Universities: The rapid establishment of new universities without corresponding investment in infrastructure and staffing has stretched resources thin.

This proliferation has raised concerns about the quality of education and the institutions’ ability to meet their academic obligations.

Inadequate Research Funding: Research is a critical component of university education, but Nigerian universities often lack the funds necessary to support meaningful research activities.

This has limited the ability of Nigerian academics to contribute to global knowledge and innovation.

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