Abuja: The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has declared a two-week warning strike beginning from midnight of Monday, Oct. 13, over unmet demands. ASUU President, Mr. Chris Piwuna, announced this at a news conference on Sunday in Abuja. Piwuna stated that the strike comes in response to the Federal Government’s failure to address the union’s outstanding demands following the expiration of a 14-day ultimatum.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the ultimatum, issued on Sept. 28, was intended to provide the government with adequate time to resolve ongoing issues that have persisted despite several rounds of negotiations. The unresolved matters include the conclusion of the renegotiated 2009 FGN/ASUU Agreement and the release of withheld salaries for three-and-a-half months. Additionally, the union is concerned about the revitalization and sustainable funding of public universities, the payment of outstanding 25 percent salary arrears, and promotion arrears that have accumulated over more than four years.
Further issues highlighted by Piwuna involve the release of withheld third-party deductions and the cessation of alleged victimization of lecturers at LASU, KSU, and FUTO. He expressed dissatisfaction with the government’s response, describing it as provocative and inconsistent. The documents presented by the government’s renegotiating team reportedly deviated significantly from the recommendations previously submitted by the committee led by Alhaji Yayale Ahmed.
Piwuna appealed to students, parents, and Nigerians for their understanding, stating that the strike aims to compel the government to revitalize and reposition the university system. He directed all ASUU branches to withdraw their services from midnight, Monday, Oct. 13, emphasizing that the warning strike will be total and comprehensive.