The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) is once again trending after issuing a fresh 14-day ultimatum to the Federal Government over long-standing issues, including unpaid salaries, unimplemented agreements, and what the Union describes as deceptive delay tactics.

This latest notice comes on the heels of an earlier 21-day ultimatum that lapsed without resolution.

ASUU was expected to commence an indefinite strike on September 9, 2024, after issuing a warning on August 19. 

However, the strike was postponed following a series of meetings between the Union and the Federal Government. 

Under Nigerian labor laws, ASUU is mandated to issue a notice before proceeding with industrial action, which explains the additional 14-day grace period. 

If the government fails to meet their demands by the end of this period, ASUU is expected to declare an indefinite strike.

Despite the gravity of ASUU’s demands, Nigerian students seem largely indifferent, dismissing the Union’s actions as a "seasonal campaign." 

Many students are fatigued by the cycle of strikes, which have disrupted their academic calendars repeatedly over the years.

ASUU’s grievances date back to a 2009 agreement that was renegotiated in 2021, but the government has continually failed to honor it. 

One of the key issues is the unpaid salaries of university staff, some of which have been withheld for over six years. 

Additionally, ASUU is demanding ₦200 billion annually for five years to revitalize Nigeria's underfunded public universities, a commitment the government fulfilled only once, in 2013.

ASUU’s core demands include:

1. Full implementation of the 2021 renegotiated agreement.

2. Release of withheld salaries.

3. Payment of outstanding deductions.

4. Increased funding for public universities.

5. Payment of allowances captured in the 2023 budget.

With this new ultimatum, all eyes are on the Federal Government as the clock ticks towards another possible shutdown of Nigeria’s public universities.