The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has called on the Federal Government to urgently engage in dialogue with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) following the union’s recent strike threat. NANS expressed concern that a strike at this time would be detrimental to students and the educational system.

NANS Senate President, Akinteye Babatunde, made this appeal during an interview in Abuja, in response to ASUU’s 14-day ultimatum issued on Wednesday over unresolved negotiations with the government. Babatunde emphasized that “ASUU strike at this point in time is not advisable” and urged the government to address ASUU’s concerns promptly.

ASUU’s demands include the completion of the renegotiation of the 2009 FGN/ASUU Agreement based on the Nimi Briggs Committee’s Draft Agreement of 2021, and the release of withheld salaries from the 2022 strike action. Additionally, the union is calling for the payment of unpaid salaries for staff on sabbatical, part-time, and adjunct appointments affected by the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS), as well as the release of outstanding third-party deductions such as check-off dues and cooperative contributions.

Other issues raised by ASUU include the need for increased funding for the revitalisation of public universities, the payment of Earned Academic Allowances, the proliferation of universities by federal and state governments, and the implementation of the reports of visitation panels to universities. ASUU also demands the reversal of the dissolution of Governing Councils and the adoption of the University Transparency and Accountability Solution (UTAS) as a replacement for IPPIS.

ASUU President, Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke, expressed frustration with the government’s lack of commitment, stating that these delays are exacerbating the crisis in the public university system. He urged well-meaning Nigerians to call on the government to address these issues to avoid further industrial action.

The union warned that it should not be held responsible for any disruption in the academic calendar if the government fails to address the lingering issues within the given timeframe. The 14-day ultimatum, added to an earlier 21-day warning, is set to expire on October 7, 2024.