ASUU Threatens Strike Over Unmet Demands The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has issued an ultimatum to the Federal Government, threatening to embark on an indefinite strike if its demands are not met. The union’s National Executive Council (NEC) met recently and resolved to take this drastic action if the government fails to address their concerns within a specified timeframe. ASUU has been agitating for several unmet demands, including: * Earned Academic Allowances (EAA): This is a special allowance paid to lecturers for their academic responsibilities beyond teaching, such as research and supervision. ASUU claims that the EAA has not been fully paid since 2019. * Renegotiation of the 2009 Agreement: This agreement outlines the terms and conditions of service for university lecturers. ASUU argues that the agreement has not been renegotiated despite repeated promises from the government. * Improved Working Conditions: ASUU is demanding improved infrastructure, equipment, and laboratories in universities. The union believes that these conditions are necessary for quality teaching and research. * Autonomy for Universities: ASUU advocates for greater autonomy for universities, allowing them to manage their finances, appoint and promote staff, and set their own academic standards. * Funding for Universities: ASUU has consistently called for increased funding for tertiary education. The union believes that the current level of funding is inadequate and has hindered the development of universities. According to ASUU President, Prof Emmanuel Osodeke, the union has given the Federal Government a deadline to address these demands. If the demands are not met by the specified date, ASUU will have no choice but to declare an indefinite strike. The threatened strike has raised concerns among students, parents, and the general public. Many fear that a prolonged strike will disrupt academic activities and set back university education in Nigeria. However, ASUU insists that the strike is necessary to protect the interests of its members and ensure the quality of university education in the country. The Federal Government has yet to respond to ASUU’s ultimatum. It remains to be seen whether the government will address the union’s demands and avert the impending strike.ASUU Threatens Strike as Government Ignores DemandsASUU Threatens Strike as Government Ignores Demands The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) at the University of Lagos (UNILAG) has warned of a potential strike if the government fails to address their demands. The union has been engaged in nationwide protests and open letters to the Federal Government, but claims its concerns have been met with silence. In a protest on Thursday, ASUU-UNILAG members and students expressed their support for nine unresolved demands. These include: * Conclusion of the renegotiation of the FGN/ASUU agreement * Release of withheld salaries * Funding for universities * Earned academic allocations * Implementation of university visitation panel reports ASUU-UNILAG President, Prof. Kayode Adebayo, stated that the union is reluctant to strike but may be forced to if the government does not take action. Former ASUU-UNILAG President, Dr. Dele Ashiru, criticized the government’s lack of investment in education and the low salaries paid to lecturers. The protests come amidst concerns that Nigerian public universities may be handed over to foreign investors. ASUU is calling for the government to prioritize education and address the concerns of the union to prevent a disruption of academic activities.ASUU Threatens Strike Over Unmet Demands The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has threatened to embark on an indefinite strike if the Federal Government fails to address its lingering demands. The union’s National President, Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke, made the threat on Thursday at a press conference in Abuja. He stated that ASUU had been patient and had engaged the government in dialogue for several months without concrete results. Osodeke listed the union’s outstanding demands as including the release of the White Paper on the review of the 2009 agreement, the payment of arrears of Earned Academic Allowances and other outstanding entitlements, and the implementation of the University Transparency and Accountability Solutions (UTAS) as the payment platform for members. He accused the government of insincerity and a lack of commitment to the welfare of university workers. “We have given the government enough time to address our demands, but they have consistently failed to do so,” Osodeke said. “We are now left with no option but to consider a strike.” The union leader warned that the strike, if it materializes, would disrupt academic activities across the country and affect millions of students. He urged the government to take urgent action to avert the looming crisis and ensure the smooth running of universities. The Federal Government has yet to respond to ASUU’s threat, but sources within the Ministry of Education have expressed concern and are reportedly working to find a resolution.