ABUJA — The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has declared a two-week warning strike beginning from midnight, Monday, October 13, over unmet demands by the Federal Government.
ASUU President, Mr. Chris Piwuna, announced this at a news conference on Sunday in Abuja.
Piwuna said the decision followed the government’s failure to address the union’s outstanding demands after the expiration of a 14-day ultimatum issued on September 28.
According to him, the ultimatum was intended to give the government time to resolve 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.
“Others are the revitalisation and sustainable funding of public universities, payment of outstanding 25 per cent salary arrears, and promotion arrears spanning over four years,” he said.
He also mentioned the release of withheld third-party deductions and an end to the alleged victimisation of lecturers at LASU, KSU, and FUTO as part of the unresolved issues.
Piwuna expressed disappointment over what he described as the government’s “provocative and inconsistent” response to the union’s demands.
“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.
He appealed for the understanding of students, parents, and Nigerians, explaining that the strike was aimed at compelling the government to revitalise and reposition the nation’s university system.
“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 stated.
