Abuja: The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Abuja Zone, has called on Nigerians to persuade the Federal Government to resolve all outstanding issues with the union to avoid another preventable industrial action. The Zonal Coordinator, ASUU Abuja Zone, Prof. Al-Amin Abdullahi, made the call during a news conference on Monday in Abuja. Abdullahi was represented by the ASUU Chairman, University of Abuja Chapter, Dr. Sylvanus Ugoh.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the union’s appeal comes in the wake of its recent suspension of a warning strike. The ASUU emphasized the importance of resolving issues such as the renegotiation and full execution of the 2009 ASUU Agreement, which focuses on greater academic autonomy, enhanced funding, staff welfare, and the revitalization of public universities. The union also highlighted the need for the immediate release of withheld salaries of its members, payment of substantial unpaid arrears, and resolution of withheld third-party deductions, including cooperative funds and union check-off dues.
The government proposal was brought up during an emergency NEC meeting on October 21. Despite its inadequacies, it was accepted in good faith to facilitate the resumption of collective bargaining. On October 22, NEC suspended the two-week action, giving the Federal Government one month to complete negotiations and demonstrate sincere commitment to implementing the proposals. However, nearly four weeks since the suspension, the ASUU noted the government’s lack of urgency in addressing the issues affecting public universities.
Abdullahi warned that the effect of unpaid salary awards, withheld salaries, unremitted deductions, and underfunding has been detrimental, leading to prolonged academic calendars, increased financial burdens, and disrupted learning for students. The union expressed concern that the national project of nurturing competent future leaders and professionals is being compromised.
The ASUU also pointed out inadequacies in salary and conditions of service as a major area of disagreement with the Federal Government’s proposal. While recognizing the government’s actions, such as releasing some third-party deductions and partially paying promotion arrears from 2017, the union perceived these as attempts to foster confidence rather than resolve core issues.
The best way to revitalize public universities, according to the ASUU, is through sincere negotiation rather than propaganda. Abdullahi emphasized that if agreements are broken, payments withheld, or deception employed, the union has a moral and constitutional obligation to defend public education and safeguard its members. The ASUU stands ready to employ all lawful measures at its disposal if the government continues to trivialize challenges undermining public universities.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the Abuja Zone institutions include the University of Abuja, Federal University of Technology Minna, Federal University Lafia, Nasarawa State University Keffi, and Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University Lapai.