The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has issued an ultimatum to the Federal Government.

ASUU issued a 21-day ultimatum after taking a decision during a National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held at the University of Ibadan from August 17th to 18th, 2024.

According to SunNewspaper, sources revealed that the NEC meeting also directed ASUU branches across the country to conduct referendums on whether to embark on an indefinite strike, a staggered strike, or take other action in response to the government’s inaction.

ASUU’s demands include renegotiating the FG/ASUU 2009 agreement, payment of withheld salaries, adoption of the University Transparency and Accountability Solution (UTAS) for salary payments, clearing promotion arrears, halting the proliferation of universities, revitalizing public universities, addressing outstanding Earned Academic Allowances, and stopping the victimization of union leaders.

Additionally, the union has raised concerns about non-payment of salaries in some state universities.

The union had previously stated that the federal government had promised to include their demands in the 2023 budget, but this was not done, leading to the current standoff.

ASUU has a history of industrial action, often citing government failure to fulfill agreements as the reason. The outcome of the upcoming referendums at university branches will determine the next course of action.