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Tag: ASUU

  • ASUU vows to embark on another strike, gives FG 2 weeks ultimatum

    ASUU vows to embark on another strike, gives FG 2 weeks ultimatum

    The Academic Staff Union of Universities has issued a 14-day strike deadline to the Federal Government to resolve some lingering issues dating as far back as 2009.

    ASUU President, Emmanuel Osodeke in a statement issued on Wednesday, said the body is seeking the conclusion of the renegotiation of the 2009 FGN/ASUU Agreement based on the Nimi Briggs Committee’s Draft Agreement of 2021.

    It also demanded the release of withheld salaries due to the 2022 strike action, and expressed frustration with the government’s lack of commitment and delay tactics.

    It stated that these actions were generating a crisis in the public university system.

    “In view of the foregoing, ASUU resolves to give the Nigerian Government another 14 days, in addition to the earlier 21 days, beginning from Monday, September 23, 2024, during which all the lingering issues must have been concretely addressed to the satisfaction of the membership of the union.

    “The union should not be held responsible for any industrial disharmony that arises from the government’s failure to seize the new opportunity offered by ASUU to nip the looming crisis in the bud,” ASUU said

    ASUU is also demanding the release of unpaid salaries for staff on sabbatical, part-time, and adjunct appointments affected by the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System, and the payment of outstanding third-party deductions such as check-off dues and cooperative contributions.

    It added that it wants funding for the revitalisation of public universities, partly captured in the 2023 Federal Government Budget, and the payment of Earned Academic Allowances partly captured in the 2023 Federal Government Budget.

    Other issues include the proliferation of universities by Federal and State Governments, the implementation of the reports of visitation panels to universities, the reversal of the illegalG dissolution of Governing Councils, and the adoption of the University Transparency and Accountability Solution as a replacement for IPPIS.

  • BREAKING: ASUU gives FG deadline to avert strike

    BREAKING: ASUU gives FG deadline to avert strike

    The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has said the federal government (FG) has up to September 6th to address the demands of lecturers in the country. This is coming after a closed door meeting between ASUU and the FG on Wednesday.

    At the end of a meeting by both parties on Wednesday in Abuja, a sub-committee was set up to review ASUU’s demands while the government promised to ensure lasting solutions to the crisis. Both parties also agreed to reconvene on September 6.

    The meeting which lasted for about two and half hours was at the instance of the Minister of Education, Prof Tahir Mamman and had in attendance the leadership of ASUU led by its National President, Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke.

    Recall that ASUU had on August 19 at the end of its NEC meeting held at the University of Ibadan (UI), issued a 21-day strike notice to the federal government over some unmet demands.

    Briefing newsmen at the end of the closed door meeting ASUU President expressed hope that all issues would have been resolved before the September 6 meeting.

    “We have met to discuss all the issues and review them. We have given government between now and the next meeting to see what they have to do. We believe in the interest of the Nigerian child and we will be protecting their interest if the issues are resolved amicably,” Prof. Osodeke said.

    Also briefing newsmen at the end of the closed door meeting, the Minister of Education confirmed that both parties agreed to reconvene on September 6th, adding that a compromise was reached during the meeting with a view to avert the strike notice issued by the union.

    Mamman said a sub-committee had been set up to review the demands of the union, and ensure that all grey areas are ironed out and resolved.

    TNG reports the strike notice by ASUU is expected to elapse on September 9, three days after the rescheduled meeting.

    In addressing the demand of the union, the Minister, earlier today, constituted an implementation monitoring committee of NEEDS Assessment intervention fund for Nigerian public universities

    ASUU is seeking a comprehensive overhaul of the university system, including improved infrastructure, enhanced academic freedom, and a more sustainable funding model.

    Other demands of the union, included,  the release of revitalisation funds for universities, renegotiation of the 2009 FGN/ASUU agreement, and release of earned allowances for university lecturers. Others are deployment of the University Transparency and Accountability Solution (UTAS).

  • FG, ASUU in crucial meeting to avert strike

    FG, ASUU in crucial meeting to avert strike

    The Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) are currently holding a meeting to avert the strike notice issued by the union.

    According to NAN, the meeting  which started at about 2.17 p.m. at the headquarters of the Federal Ministry of Education, Federal Secretariat, Abuja, was at the instance of the federal government.

    The Minister of Education, Prof Tahir Mamman is leading the Government team while ASUU team is led by the national President of the association, Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke

    Addressing newsmen before the meeting went into closed session, Mamman, said his team would share light on what the federal government had been doing since its last meeting with the union.

    The minister acknowledged that a committee was set up to review the demands of the union but could not go on, as a result of the nationwide protest.

    “For us in the ministry, we will continue from where we stopped at our earlier meeting and find ways to progress.

    “We share with you the desire to have stability in the education system. The federal government will continue to do what is right to have good education.

    “We want to ensure that our students remain in campus and the government is committed to give the university system the best it deserves,” he said.

    On his part,  Osodeke expressed worry over the failure of the government to resolve their lingering issues.

    He recalled that the union,  on Aug. 19,  at the end of its NEC meeting held at the University of Ibadan, issued a 21-day strike notice to the federal government.

    Osodeke also narrated the development that led to the strike notice.

    ”We shelve the last strike because we were promised of quick resolution to our demands.

    “For 15 months, all issues raised has not been resolved. We hope that after this meeting we have a landmark of achievements to resolve our issues,” he said.

    Elaborating on the union’s demands,  Osodeke stated that ASUU was seeking a comprehensive overhaul of the university system, including improved infrastructure, enhanced academic freedom, and a more sustainable funding model.

    He emphasised that the union’s ultimate goal was to ensure that Nigerian universities could compete with their global counterparts in terms of quality and output.

  • FG told to take urgent steps to avert looming ASUU strike

    FG told to take urgent steps to avert looming ASUU strike

    The National Association of University Students (NAUS), Ogun Chapter, says a stakeholders’ meeting to address the impending industrial action by Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) members is needed urgently.

    The students’ union, while expressing deep concern over the potential disruption to the academic calendar and the negative impact on students’ future, advised the Federal Government to urgently convene the meeting.

    Ogun NAUS Chairman, Mr Hammed Akinjetan, on Tuesday in Abeokuta disclosed the chapter’s appeal in a statement he jointly signed with the chapter’s Public Relations Officer (PRO), Mr John Uformadu.

    The chapter Chairman disclosed that they appealed to the Federal Government to prioritise dialogue and compromise to prevent a strike.

    He restated the importance of a peaceful resolution to safeguard the students’ academic progress and maintain the integrity of higher education in the state.

    Akinjetan, in addition to the call for a stakeholders’ meeting, added that the students’ union also urged the state governor, Dapo Abiodun, to increase subventions for higher institutions in the state.

    He said the chapter commended the governor for his previous efforts in supporting education, and highlighted the need for further investment to ensure the quality and affordability of tertiary education.

    “The students also requested the governor to donate one more bus to a Federal university in Ogun, following his generous donations to two other universities in the state.

    “We emphasised the critical role of transportation in facilitating students’ access to education and urged the governor to consider the unique needs of the remaining federal institution.

    “We believe that by working together —— the government, ASUU, and all stakeholders —— we can find a mutually beneficial solution to avert a strike and ensure the continued progress of our education system,” Akinjetan said.

    He however assured that NAUS Ogun would remain committed in advocating for students’ rights and welfare.

    “We will also continue to engage with relevant authorities to address the challenges facing higher education in the state.”

  • Strike: FG invites ASUU for meeting

    Strike: FG invites ASUU for meeting

    The Federal Government will meet with the leadership of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and other stakeholders on Monday to address the strike notice issued by the union.

    Prof. Tahir Mamman, the Minister of Education, disclosed this while fielding questions from journalists during a briefing on his one year in office in Abuja on Friday.

    ASUU had earlier issued a 21-day strike notice to the government over unresolved issues, including revitalisation funds for public universities, payment of outstanding earned academic allowances, and release of withheld salaries.

    The minister said letters of invitation had been sent to ASUU leadership and other relevant organisations.

    “Most of the issues raised by ASUU are being attended to. The issue of exit from the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS) has been resolved by the President, but bureaucracy has caused delays.”

    Mamman expressed optimism that the meeting on Monday would yield positive results, saying, “By the time we meet on Monday, some of these issues would be discussed and resolved.”

    He assured that President Bola Tinubu was committed to academic stability and would provide support to prevent academic disruption.

    “Most of ASUU’s demands started in 1981, and every government has faced ASUU strikes.”

    The minister emphasised that the government was committed to finding a lasting solution to the issues, saying, “We will do everything possible to make sure we don’t go on strike.”

  • FG, ASUU to discuss long – standing issues on Monday

    FG, ASUU to discuss long – standing issues on Monday

    The leadership of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and the Federal Government are set to meet on Monday to discuss the demands of university lecturers and prevent a potential strike.

    ASUU had issued a 21-day strike notice on Wednesday, urging the administration of President Bola Tinubu to resolve outstanding issues hindering the progress of Nigerian universities.

    ASUU’s National President, Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke, announced the notice during a press conference at Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, in Abia State. In response, the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, revealed on Thursday during an appearance on TVC’s *Beyond 100 Days* program that government representatives would meet with ASUU leaders on Monday.

    “We have already sent out a notice to ASUU’s leadership to meet on Monday. On Wednesday, we reviewed the letter submitted by ASUU and the issues it raised. We hope to discuss these matters during the meeting,” Prof. Mamman stated.

    He noted that some of the issues, such as the 2009 agreement, have a long history, dating back to as early as 1981.

    The Minister added that the government has been engaged in ongoing discussions with ASUU to address the challenges facing the university system and work towards resolving the union’s concerns.

  • ASUU issues 21-day ultimatum to States, FG over unresolved matters

    ASUU issues 21-day ultimatum to States, FG over unresolved matters

    The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has issued a 21-day ultimatum to the Federal and State Governments to address all the “outstanding issues” hindering the development of the nation’s universities.

    The ASUU National President, Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke, announced the ultimatum at a press conference held at the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike in Abia, on Wednesday.

    Osodeke said that the press  conference was to intimate the public with the outcome of the union’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held between August 17 and August 18 at the University of Ibadan.

    He said that the union would reconvene at the expiration of the 21 days’ notice to take appropriate decision(s) as deemed necessary.

    He said that the NEC condemned in strong terms the seeming refusal by the Federal and State Governments to decisively address all the issues being raised by the union.

    Osodeke also said that the union rejected the “slow pace of the intervention” by the Minister of Education in resolving those issues.

    According to him, the issues involve the review and signing of the renegotiated 2009 FGN-ASUU Agreement, impactful funding, including the Emergency Revitalisation Fund for public universities.

    They also include the payment of outstanding earned academic allowances, release of withheld salaries, promotion arrears and third-party deductions of its members.

    “Other issues include stoppage of illegal recruitments, proliferation of public universities and abuse of universities’ laws, regulations and processes.

    “There is also an issue of removal of the universities from the Treasury Single Account and new IPPIS vis-a-vis to herald the autonomy of our universities,” he said.

    The ASUU boss also said that the NEC received “alarming reports” on the failed promises of the government in addressing the lingering issues that forced the union to embark on the nationwide strike of February to October 2022.

    Meanwhile, Osodeke said that the union has declared Tuesday, September 10, 2024 as Victimised Lecturers’ Day.

    He said, “the day would be used to solidarise with its members unjustly persecuted across the nation’s universities.”

    He also said that the union would use the day to register its displeasure with the avoidable labour-management crises at the Lagos State University, Kogi State University, Federal University of Technology Owerri and others.

    Osodeke said that the union rejected the Federal Government’s recent move to divert the Tertiary Education Trust Fund’s (TETFund) intervention grants to the Students’ Education Loan Scheme.

    He said that the move was antithetical to the original intendment of the Law establishing the Education Tax Fund, which now operates as TETFund.

    The press conference was attended by the Zonal Coordinator, ASUU Owerri Zone, Prof. Dennis Aribodor, among other ASUU officials and members.

    NAN

  • UniAbuja ASUU suspends 82-day strike

    UniAbuja ASUU suspends 82-day strike

    Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), University of Abuja chapter, has announced the suspension of its 82-day strike with immediate effect.

    Chairperson of ASUU, Dr Sylvanus Ugoh, announced the suspension of the strike at a news briefing in Abuja on Monday, short after the congress held by the union.

    Ugoh hinged the suspension of the strike on the union’s engagement with the institution’s new Governing Council, which promised to review all their demands and address them.

    NAN reports that ASUU had, on May 2, embarked on the indefinite strike to protest violation of its established laws, including appointments and promotions of members of staff, in the absence of a governing council.

    Other issues, according to the union, are: the purported illegal advertorial for the position of vice-chancellor by the then Prof. Abdulrasheed Na’Alla-led administration, and recruitments without due process.

    Ugoh said that the council had met with the union and agreed to cancel the advert and republish a new one, following due process.

    He said that the council also agreed to review the process of employment, which the union was against, and review the issue of promotion, especially the 2022/2023 exercise.

    “Within these 82 days, we have been engaging with the former vice-chancellor but he did not shift ground.

    “He refused to comply with the rules; he refused to comply with the act establishing the university and follow due process.

    “After all the procedures failed, the union embarked on a comprehensive and indefinite strike,” he said.

    Ugoh said that since the inauguration of the council, the union had been engaging the council and the university management.

    He said that the council met with ASUU on July 18 and communicated to it in writing on the issues bordering on the strike.

    “The council wrote the union and agreed to cancel the advert that was placed before now and re-advertise for the position of the vice-chancellor and that was actually the demand of the union.

    “The council also agreed with the union to review the process of recruitment that was done without due process.

    “According to the act, the process of employment of staff in the university is clear: there must be an advert in the national daily.

    “This process was not followed, but the council has agreed to review it and get back to the union,” he stated.

    Ugoh said that the council also agreed to review the promotion exercise, especially the 2022/2023 exercise.

    He added that the new council had also directed that the election into the positions of deans of faculties and provost of college of health sciences be conducted.

    “As for the position of director of the micro-finance bank, the acting vice-chancellor, through the secretary to the bank, has communicated with us that the union should take its position in the board of directors.

    “So with these, and also in honour of the new council and the acting vice-chancellor, the union has reviewed the submissions of the council and we just finished from the congress.

    “The congress unanimously resolved to suspend the strike so that the university administration will be able to look at the issues,” he said.

  • Strike not imminent, if… – ASUU

    Strike not imminent, if… – ASUU

    The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has said that strike is not imminent, if the Federal Government implements the agreements reached, in the next two weeks.

    Prof Emmanuel Osodeke, President of ASUU said this in an interview with NAN on Monday.

    It would be recalled that ASUU had threatened to embark on strike over the non-implementation of agreements reached with the federal government.

    The Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman had on June 26, invited the union for a meeting to deliberate on the lingering issues affecting universities and to avert the planned strike.

    Osodeke said none of the agreements reached with the Federal Government had been implemented.

    “At the meeting called by the Minister of Education, we agreed that after two weeks, we will meet to see the progress the government has made.

    “We will also see what we will do next, if government fail to implement the agreements reached.

    “The meeting in the next two weeks is to see what they have done which will inform our decision,” he said.

    The ASUU president said some of the demands included, the non implementation of the 2009 re-negotiated agreements.

    He said the agreements had lingered for over six years and government was yet to implement them.

    Osodeke said the academic allowances due to their members had also accumulated for over six years and nothing had been done about it

    On the issue of revitalisation fund, he said they agreed on the NEEDs Assessment Report to raise N200 billion yearly, for five years.

    “Since 2013, only one has been paid. We need revitalisation fund to upgrade our universities to standard, so that we can be having students and lecturers from outside the country,” he said.

    Oshodeke added that the government was yet to stop the proliferation of universities adding that many new universities were being approved without fund to run them.

    He said the government was also yet to exit the university salary payment from Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System!(IPPIS) as approved by the Federal Executive Council in January

    He said their members were still being paid by IPPIS against the directive by the FEC.

  • FG, ASUU end meeting, agree on amicable resolution

    FG, ASUU end meeting, agree on amicable resolution

    The Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) on  Wednesday ended their closed door meeting with an agreement that all contentious issues will be amicably resolve to avert strike.

    The parties also agreed to  kick-start a communication process to avert the planned industrial actions by the union.

    The parties had entered into a close-door meeting which began at about 4:30 p.m. at the Ministry’s headquarters in Abuja.

    The meeting which lasted for over two hours,
    had in attendance the two Ministers overseeing Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, and Dr Yusuf Sununu and other top officials in the ministry in the federal government’ team

    The ASUU President, Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke, who led the union’s team, told newsmen after the meeting that negotiation process had begun, while hoping that the federal government would follow up on what had been agreed on.

    “We have discussions on all the issues and we have given assignment to some people to look at, and agreed on the way forward.

    On the two-week ultimatum issued by the union, Osodeke said they would go back and give the details of the meeting to their members.

    “What is important is that we have started the process and our prayers is that we resolve it for the interest of our young men and the interest of the nation .

    “The government has spent one year in office and we have not been called for any formal meeting. Today we are having the first formal meeting.

    “There is a process we have started and we are going to set deadlines, we are going to meet to look at what has been done on those issues and we hope the process will continue,” he said.

    On his part,  Mamman said that consultations would commence immediately to overcome the problems bedeviling education.

    “We’ve had a very good meeting and a very productive one. We’ve discussed progress on how to ensure that the system works well and lots of the issues we talked about are those that we inherited and some ongoing.

    “We discussed them all without exception and we have consensus on the way forward.

    “A lot of consultations will still continue on some information we don’t have, which are beyond the scope of the ministry and which will require us to connect with our colleagues in other ministries.

    “But, the most important thing is that we had a very good meeting and agreed to continue with the consultations to overcome the problems bedeviling education in Nigeria,” he said.

    It will be recalled that ASUU had threatened to embark on a nationwide strike over the federal government’s failure to meet its demands.

    The union had charged the government to act within two weeks to address all outstanding demands by the union.

    Some of the issues of contention are removal from IPPIS, Renegotiation of the 2009 FGN/ASUU Agreement, all the backlog of Earned Academic Allowance (EAA) and all the outstanding salaries, among others.

    NAN