The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has announced a pivotal meeting with the Federal Government scheduled for July 25, 2024, aimed at addressing longstanding grievances that have strained relations between both parties. ASUU’s National President, Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke, revealed this in an interview with Punch, following weeks of escalating protests on university campuses nationwide involving lecturers and students alike.
The union’s main contention revolves around the Federal Government’s failure to honor the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in 2009, encompassing academic and welfare provisions. Should these demands remain unmet, ASUU has warned of the potential for another round of industrial action, underscoring the urgency of the upcoming negotiations.
Prof. Osodeke acknowledged that recent protests have prompted a more serious engagement from the government, leading to commitments and timelines. ASUU’s demands include the release of withheld salaries, resolution of payment discrepancies, and revitalization of public universities, among others.
In a bid to amplify their concerns, ASUU also addressed an open letter to President Bola Tinubu, urging swift action to avert further disruptions to the academic calendar. Osodeke emphasized the need for comprehensive dialogue to resolve these issues and ensure the stability of Nigeria’s higher education system.