FG, ASUU in last-minute talks to prevent nationwide university strike

The Federal Government has begun talks with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) in a bid to avert a nationwide strike that could cripple academic activities in public universities.

The meeting, which started yesterday in Abuja, continues today, just a day before ASUU’s deadline for strike action if the government fails to address its long-standing demands.

Minister of Education, Prof. Tunji Alausa, is leading the government delegation. A senior ministry official confirmed the discussions, noting that details would be made public once concrete agreements were reached.

ASUU President, Prof. Chris Piwuna, had earlier expressed frustration over poor welfare conditions, inadequate funding of universities, and what he described as government’s failure to honour the 2009 FGN/ASUU Agreement. He also raised concerns about the erosion of university autonomy and challenges faced by state-owned institutions.

Among ASUU’s demands are: the conclusion of the renegotiation of the 2009 Agreement based on the Nimi Briggs Committee’s 2021 draft, release of N150 billion revitalisation fund, payment of withheld salaries from the 2022 strike, and clearance of arrears for sabbatical and part-time staff.

Other requests include settlement of wage award arrears, reinstatement of victimised members in some state and federal universities, release of third-party deductions such as check-off dues, and a halt to what the union described as indiscriminate establishment of universities without adequate funding.

Piwuna warned that unless these issues were addressed, the union would have no option but to embark on industrial action.

The outcome of the talks is expected to determine whether students and academic staff will face another round of disruptions in the nation’s university system.