The source said; “The government has been playing lip service at our meeting. They failed to make a definite promise or stand on when they will pay outstanding monies. They kept sounding like they will just go and look for the money owed the union and indefinite commitment.”
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) may hold varsity congresses next week to determine strike action, a top source within the union who does not want to be quoted has told SaharaReporters.
This comes on the heels of a 14-day ultimatum given to the Nigerian government by the Union over failed promises.
The source said; “The government has been playing lip service at our meeting. They failed to make a definite promise or stand on when they will pay outstanding monies. They kept sounding like they will just go and look for the money owed the union and indefinite commitment.”
It was also noted that the government had failed to set up a committee to renegotiate with the union on its demands
“The government has not even set up any team to negotiate the existing agreement reached with the union. All we have had are promises with no action” it was noted.
The government was also accused of making third party deductions from lecturers’ salaries.
“The government deducted monies from salaries they paid after withholding our salaries and they are yet to pay back the third party deductions. Third party deductions work in a case like if I usually remit a certain amount to cooperative for pension, that money I remit should be deducted by the cooperative but the government deducted the money and has failed to remit it or pay back to us, even though it is our entitlement.”
SaharaReporters gathered that the union had continued mobilising its members for a possible strike and will call congresses next week to make a position upon expiration of the ultimatum given to the federal government by it.
Earlier, ASUU President, Emmanuel Osodeke in a statement issued on Wednesday accused the Tinubu government of lacking commitment and delaying tactics to fulfil their promises.
He stated that non-fulfillment of the government’s promises are fuelling a crisis in the public university system.
The statement said, “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.
Apart from the implementation of the 2021 agreement, 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 (IPPIS) and the payment of outstanding third-party deductions such as check-off dues and cooperative contributions.
The union is also seeking funding for the revitalization 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.