ASUU Urges Federal Government to Enforce Briggs Committee Settlement: What You Need to Know

In the ongoing tussle between the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and the Federal Government of Nigeria, a fresh appeal has emerged from the University of Calabar (UniCal) chapter. Led by Chairman Dr. Peter Ubi, ASUU demands enforcement of the Prof. Nimi Briggs committee recommendations—a pivotal step in renegotiating the 2009 Federal Government-ASUU Agreement. This ASUU Briggs committee settlement push highlights persistent issues in Nigerian higher education funding and worker welfare.

Introduction

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has long championed improved funding and conditions for Nigerian public universities. The UniCal chapter’s recent statement underscores frustration with the Federal Government’s handling of the Prof. Nimi Briggs-led committee’s draft agreement submitted in 2021. Dr. Peter Ubi, in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Calabar, urged immediate enforcement of these recommendations to resolve lingering disputes from the 2009 ASUU agreement renegotiation.

Background on ASUU-Federal Government Relations

ASUU, formed in 1978, represents academic staff across Nigeria’s federal universities. Disputes often center on underfunding, earned academic allowances, and salary structures. The 2009 agreement addressed revitalization needs but faced implementation gaps, leading to strikes like the eight-month action in 2022.

Analysis

Analyzing ASUU’s position reveals a pattern of negotiation breakdowns. The Briggs committee, established by the Federal Government, aimed to update the 2009 pact amid economic pressures. Despite ASUU’s concessions—from African average professor salaries to West African benchmarks—the government has not signed the 2021 draft. Dr. Ubi criticized the 35% wage increase offer as a deviation, insisting on the Briggs committee settlement.

Economic Context of the Dispute

Nigeria’s universities grapple with inflation-eroded salaries. The Briggs recommendations sought sustainable funding models, including infrastructure and research grants. Delays exacerbate brain drain, with Nigerian professors migrating to better-paying institutions abroad.

Government’s Stance

Education Minister Tunji Alausa emphasized that the 2009 agreement remains the only signed document, positioning the Briggs draft as a discussion framework. This highlights a trust deficit, as ASUU views unsigned drafts as binding commitments post-strike suspension.

Summary

In summary, UniCal ASUU Chairman Dr. Peter Ubi called on the Federal Government to enforce the Prof. Nimi Briggs committee’s 2021 draft settlement during a NAN interview. Formed to renegotiate the 2009 ASUU agreement, the committee’s proposals were accepted by ASUU in compromise. However, the government’s refusal to sign, coupled with rejection of the 35% wage hike, has stalled progress. This echoes historical impasses threatening academic stability.

Key Points

Practical Advice

For university administrators, students, and policymakers navigating the ASUU-Federal Government agreement impasse:

For University Management

Engage in transparent dialogues with ASUU branches. Implement interim measures like local allowances while awaiting federal action on Briggs recommendations.

For Students and Parents

Monitor strike alerts via official ASUU channels. Diversify options with private universities or online learning to mitigate disruptions.

For Policymakers

Prioritize budget allocations for education. Fast-track signing of verified drafts to prevent industrial actions costing billions in lost productivity.

Points of Caution

Stakeholders must exercise caution amid escalating tensions:

• Avoid Provocative Statements: Both sides should refrain from media rhetoric that hardens positions.
• Financial Realism: Proposals must align with Nigeria’s fiscal constraints; unchecked demands risk rejection.
• Strike Risks: Prolonged disputes lead to session slips, affecting graduate employability.
• IPIPS Integration: Past issues like the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS) exclusion persist; ensure inclusive reforms.

Comparison

Comparing key proposals illuminates the deadlock:

2009 ASUU Agreement vs. Briggs Committee

Briggs vs. 35% Wage Increase

The government’s 35% offer targets core salaries but ignores holistic Briggs elements like earned allowances and infrastructure. ASUU views it as a “delay tactic,” preferring the comprehensive Nimi Briggs committee framework.

Legal Implications

While no strict legal enforceability exists for unsigned drafts under Nigerian labor law, agreements like the 2009 pact carry moral and quasi-contractual weight. The Trade Unions Act and Labour Act empower unions like ASUU for collective bargaining. Failure to honor post-strike commitments could invite court interventions or National Industrial Court rulings, as seen in past IPPIS cases. However, fiscal federalism limits binding salary mandates without National Assembly approval via appropriation acts.

Conclusion

The UniCal ASUU’s push for the Briggs committee settlement enforcement encapsulates broader struggles for sustainable Nigerian university funding. Dr. Peter Ubi’s remarks signal unwavering resolve, urging the Federal Government to sign the 2021 draft and transcend the 2009 agreement’s limitations. Resolution demands compromise: government’s fiscal prudence meets ASUU’s welfare imperatives. Timely action safeguards academic excellence, averting strikes that undermine Nigeria’s human capital development. Stakeholders must prioritize dialogue for a thriving higher education sector.

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