By Aaior K. Comfort

The Chairperson of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Calabar Zone, Happiness Uduk, has accused the Federal Government’s review committee of intentionally delaying negotiations aimed at preventing a looming strike. ASUU had issued a 14-day ultimatum for the government to address lingering issues, including the renegotiation of the 2009 FGN/ASUU Agreement and the release of withheld salaries.

Among the union’s demands are the conclusion of negotiations based on the outdated 2021 Nimi Briggs Committee Draft Agreement, release of unpaid salaries for staff affected by the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS), and outstanding third-party deductions.

Despite the urgency, Uduk claims that the sub-committee set up by the Federal Government is more focused on holding meetings to collect allowances than resolving the issues. “They have met over five times, yet nothing concrete has been achieved,” she said.

Uduk further criticized the government’s failure to implement multiple Memoranda of Understanding and Action from 2013 to 2022. She warned that without meaningful progress, ASUU would have no choice but to withdraw its services, blaming the government’s insensitivity and time-buying tactics.

The ASUU chairperson urged the authorities to act swiftly to avoid an industrial crisis in public universities, calling for the full implementation of agreements and an end to the delays.