The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has issued a stern warning to the Federal Government, urging it to fulfill its outstanding obligations or face the possibility of another strike action across public universities.
Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja, ASUU President Comrade Chris Piwuna highlighted the union’s key demands, including the release of a ₦150 billion revitalization fund for Nigerian universities. This fund was part of a prior agreement and was expected to be disbursed by April 2025. However, as of now, the union says the government has yet to act.
Key Demands
ASUU is calling for:
- Immediate release of the ₦150 billion revitalization fund.
- Completion of the renegotiated 2009 FGN/ASUU Agreement.
- Payment of withheld salaries from the 2022 strike, amounting to three and a half months.
- Settlement of promotion arrears and unpaid salaries for lecturers on sabbatical or part-time who declined to enroll in the IPPIS system.
Comrade Piwuna also expressed concern over the unjust treatment of union members in some state universities and emphasized the need for the government to respect all previously signed Memoranda of Understanding and Memoranda of Action.
“The irreducible minimum required to guarantee industrial harmony in the Nigerian University System (NUS) is for the government to urgently address all outstanding issues,” Piwuna said.
A System Under Threat
Piwuna didn’t stop at the union’s demands. He painted a grim picture of Nigeria’s current landscape—pointing to insecurity, political instability, and a failing education system. He criticized the erosion of university autonomy, particularly the controversial appointment of university leaders without following due process. Universities like Nnamdi Azikiwe, Alvan Ikoku, and others have faced leadership crises as a result.
He further warned against the misuse of education intervention funds.
“The resources of TETFund, which should be directed solely toward this process, are being threatened with diversion and misapplication by government agents,” he said. “A clear example is the diversion of TETFund money into NELFund.”
ASUU Calls for Support and Dialogue
Despite the rising tensions, ASUU reiterated its openness to dialogue. The union appealed to all Nigerians, especially education stakeholders, to urge the government to act swiftly.
“This will create a conducive environment for addressing the welfare of Nigerian academics, ensuring the optimal discharge of their statutory responsibilities as the nation’s think tank and mentors for future leaders.”
He also urged state governors and university councils to resolve local issues affecting the union’s members and restore industrial peace on campuses.
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