In a bid to forestall an impending strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), the Federal Government held a crucial meeting with the union representatives on Wednesday. The discussion, which began at approximately 4:30 p.m. in the office of the Minister of Education, Tahir Mamman, concluded around 6:40 p.m.
ASUU President, Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke, emphasized the urgency of the meeting, noting that the current administration had completed a year in office without addressing critical issues plaguing the university system. Both parties expressed optimism that the initiation of negotiations could lead to an amicable resolution of all outstanding matters.
The union had previously threatened to embark on industrial action due to unresolved issues. However, after the meeting, Osodeke indicated that the negotiation process had commenced and expressed hope that the minister would adhere to the agreements reached.
During the session, both parties agreed to form committees to examine the 10 demands outlined in a letter ASUU sent to the Federal Government on Monday. The next review meeting is scheduled to take place in two weeks.
"We have not finalized any decisions yet but have established committees to address our demands," Osodeke stated. "We had comprehensive discussions and assigned tasks to several individuals. We are hopeful that we will resolve these issues in the best interest of our students and the nation."
Minister Promises Continued Consultations
Minister Mamman described the meeting as productive and highlighted the need for ongoing consultations to overcome challenges within the university system. "We’ve had a very constructive dialogue. Many of the issues discussed are inherited and ongoing. We’ve reached a consensus on the way forward," he said, noting the necessity of involving other ministries for certain information beyond the Education Ministry's scope.
Background of the Dispute
Earlier, addressing journalists, Osodeke remarked on the lack of formal meetings since the government took office a year ago. He underscored the importance of the current process, which includes setting deadlines and reviewing progress on the issues raised.
ASUU had issued a three-week ultimatum to the Federal Government over unmet demands, as stated in a letter dated June 20, 2024. The union recounted the nationwide strike action from February to October 2022, which was triggered by the government's failure to implement the Memorandum of Action of December 2020.
Outstanding Demands
The union's letter, signed by Osodeke, listed 10 key issues, including the completion of the renegotiation of the FGN/ASUU Agreement based on the Nimi Briggs Committee's draft Agreement of 2021, the release of withheld salaries, and the proper funding of public universities as outlined in the 2023 Federal Government budget.
Additional demands included the release of Earned Academic Allowances, addressing the proliferation of universities by Federal and State Governments, implementing the reports of visitation panels to universities, and replacing the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS) with the University Transparency and Accountability Solution (UTAS).
Nationwide Protests
On Tuesday, ASUU members staged protests across various campuses, warning of an impending strike if the government did not act on the agreements. At Obafemi Awolowo University in Ile-Ife, Osun State, lecturers, led by ASUU Akure Zone Coordinator Dr. Adeola Egbetokun and OAU branch chairman Prof. Anthony Odiwe, carried placards with messages such as "IPPIS is a scam" and "Pay all our outstanding promotion arrears."
Odiwe described the release of four months' salaries as a "Greek gift," noting that third-party deductions from their salaries had not been remitted appropriately. He urged the Federal Government to reengage in negotiations to avoid further industrial unrest.
The resolution of these issues remains critical to maintaining stability within Nigeria's higher education sector. Both the Federal Government and ASUU are now focused on continuing their dialogue to ensure the demands are met and prevent disruptions to academic activities.
