Nigeria’s education sector is on the brink of another industrial crisis as the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has issued a 14-day ultimatum to the federal government to address their demands.

The extension of the deadline, which follows a previous 21-day ultimatum issued on August 18, reflects ASUU’s deepening frustration over unresolved issues affecting public universities. In a statement, ASUU President Emmanuel Osodeke warned that the union should not be held responsible for any industrial disharmony resulting from the government’s failure to take decisive action during this newly offered opportunity. The new deadline began on September 23, 2024, and the union expects substantial progress on key issues.

The primary demands include the completion of renegotiations of the 2009 FGN/ASUU Agreement, the release of withheld salaries from previous strike actions, and improved funding for the revitalization of public universities. ASUU has highlighted ongoing concerns such as the implementation of the University Transparency and Accountability Solution (UTAS) to replace the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS), alongside issues related to unpaid salaries for part-time and sabbatical staff.

Osodeke emphasized that the government’s persistent failure to finalize negotiations and implement previous agreements has contributed to the ongoing crises in public universities. He criticized the government for treating wage awards as a substitute for resolving core issues outlined in the collective bargaining principles, underscoring that a lack of action could lead to significant disruptions in the academic calendar if left unaddressed.