By JOAN NWAGWU

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has declared a two-week warning strike beginning from midnight of Monday, Oct. 13, over unmet demands.

ASUU President, Mr Chris Piwuna, announced this at a news conference on Sunday in Abuja.

Piwuna said the decision followed the Federal Government’s failure to meet the union’s outstanding demands after the expiration of a 14-day ultimatum.

According to him, the ultimatum, issued on Sept. 28, was meant to give government time to address lingering issues that had persisted in spite of several negotiations.

“The issues include the conclusion of the renegotiated 2009 FGN/ASUU Agreement and release of withheld three-and-a-half months’ salaries.

“Others are revitalisation and sustainable funding of public universities, payment of outstanding 25 per cent salary arrears, and promotion arrears spanning over four years,” he said.

He also listed the release of withheld third-party deductions and an end to the alleged victimisation of lecturers at LASU, KSU, and FUTO as part of the unresolved issues.

Piwuna expressed disappointment that government’s response to the union’s demands had been provocative and inconsistent.

“The documents presented by the government’s renegotiating team were a total departure from the recommendations earlier submitted by the committee led by Alhaji Yayale Ahmed,” he said.

He therefore appealed for the understanding of students, parents, and Nigerians, saying the action was to compel government to revitalise and reposition the university system.

“All branches of ASUU are hereby directed to withdraw their services with effect from midnight, Monday, Oct. 13.

“The warning strike shall be total and comprehensive,” he said. (NAN)