To prevent a total and indefinite strike, the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) Owerri Zone has given the Federal Government a 14-day ultimatum to address ongoing issues related to their welfare and unpaid entitlements.

The affected universities include five institutions from Imo, Abia, and Anambra States.

Last week, the national body of ASUU also issued a similar 14-day ultimatum to the Federal Government to resolve outstanding issues that date back to 2009.

ASUU President Emmanuel Osodeke, in a statement released last Wednesday, emphasized the need to finalize the renegotiation of the 2009 FGN/ASUU Agreement based on the Nimi Briggs Committee’s Draft Agreement of 2021.

The union also called for the release of withheld salaries resulting from the 2022 strike action and expressed frustration over the government’s lack of commitment and use of delaying tactics.

They warned that these issues are creating a crisis within the public university system.

“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

ASUU is also calling for the release of unpaid salaries for staff on sabbatical, part-time, and adjunct appointments affected by the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System, as well as the payment of outstanding third-party deductions, including check-off dues and cooperative contributions.

Additionally, the union seeks funding for the revitalization of public universities, as partially outlined in the 2023 Federal Government Budget, along with the payment of Earned Academic Allowances also mentioned in the budget.

Other issues raised include the proliferation of universities by both Federal and State Governments, the implementation of reports from visitation panels to universities, the reversal of the illegal dissolution of Governing Councils, and the adoption of the University Transparency and Accountability Solution as a replacement for IPPIS.