The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has once again threatened a nationwide strike, accusing the Federal Government of failing to implement longstanding agreements on the revitalisation and funding of Nigeria’s public universities.
The union made the announcement during a press conference at the University of Jos (UNIJOS) on Thursday.
Speaking at the briefing, ASUU President Dr. Christopher Piwuna said lecturers have endured over two years of unfulfilled promises and delay tactics by the government. He highlighted unresolved issues, including the renegotiation of the 2009 ASUU-FGN agreement, outstanding salary arrears, withheld promotions, and the welfare of retired lecturers.
“The general public should also note that ASUU has written several letters to the Federal Government, drawing its attention to the need to resolve this crisis amicably. Lamentably, the government has always turned a deaf ear to all our pleas,” Piwuna said.
He added that despite repeated assurances, the government has failed to address these issues, potentially plunging the education sector into another crisis. Piwuna also dismissed the government’s proposed tertiary institutions staff support loan scheme, describing it as a trap. “Our members do not need loans. What we need is the implementation of agreements that will improve our purchasing power. Government still owes us three months’ salaries, yet they are asking us to borrow money,” he said.
The union also criticised the rapid proliferation of universities without adequate funding, warning that such actions have undermined academic standards and weakened Nigeria’s global rankings. On pensions, ASUU lamented that professors with over 40 years of service now receive as little as ₦150,000 monthly, despite rising inflation and living costs.
ASUU said it would await the outcome of a government meeting scheduled for August 28 before deciding its next step. In the meantime, members are expected to stage rallies across campuses next week to express their frustrations.
Piwuna warned: “Time is running out. We cannot continue to wait endlessly while the future of Nigerian universities is destroyed.”
