ASUU gives FG four days ultimatum over new salary structure implementation

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has issued a four-day ultimatum to the federal government to commence implementation of the newly approved salary structure for university lecturers.

ASUU President, Christopher Piwuna, gave the directive on Thursday while addressing members at Sa’adu Zungur University, Yuli Campus, Bauchi State. He said the countdown begins immediately, warning that the union would take decisive action if the government fails to comply.

“We have issued a four-day ultimatum from today to the federal government to commence payment of the newly approved salary structure. Failure to comply will attract a strong response from the union,” Channels TV quoted Piwuna as saying.

Piwuna decried what he described as the federal government’s persistent failure to honour agreements with the union, noting that such lapses have repeatedly triggered industrial disputes and strikes.

On the proposed establishment of a branch of Coventry University in Nigeria following President Bola Tinubu’s recent visit to London, the ASUU president said the union would oppose the move.

He argued that allowing the foreign institution to operate in Nigeria would undermine the growth and relevance of local universities, describing it as a new form of colonialism in the country’s education sector.

Piwuna added that the development comes at a time when the institution is reportedly facing a decline in global admission applications. He urged the Federal Government to prioritise strengthening Nigerian universities through collaboration with ASUU to meet the needs of current and future generations.