The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has issued a four-day ultimatum to the Federal Government to begin implementing the newly approved salary structure for lecturers in public universities across the country.
ASUU President, Christopher Piwuna, announced the deadline on Thursday during a public lecture at Sa’adu Zungur University, Yuli Campus, in Bauchi State.
Piwuna said the union expects the government to commence payment under the agreed salary framework immediately, warning that failure to comply within the stipulated period would attract a strong response from the union.
“We have issued a four-day ultimatum from today to the Federal Government to begin the payment of the newly approved salary structure. Failure to comply will attract a strong response from the union,” he said.
He explained that the demand forms part of broader efforts to improve lecturers’ welfare and address persistent concerns over poor remuneration, which he linked to the continued migration of academics abroad and declining standards in the country’s higher education sector.
The ASUU president also expressed concern over the government’s record of inconsistent implementation of agreements reached with the union, noting that such delays have repeatedly triggered disputes and industrial actions.
Observers say the latest ultimatum could heighten tensions between ASUU and the Federal Government, raising fears of another nationwide strike if the demands are not met within the timeframe.
ASUU has a history of embarking on industrial action to press its demands, with previous strikes disrupting academic calendars in public universities and affecting millions of students nationwide.
