The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has issued a strong warning to the Federal Government of Nigeria, threatening to embark on another nationwide strike over what it describes as continued neglect of previous agreements made with the union, particularly the 2009 ASUU-FG pact.
At a press conference held in Jos on Thursday, ASUU President, Dr. Christopher Piwuna, expressed deep frustration with the government’s failure to fulfil promises made to the union over the years. He accused the authorities of using delay tactics and failing to take the education sector seriously.
“We have written several letters to the Federal Government, urging them to address these issues amicably. Unfortunately, the government has ignored all our appeals,” Dr. Piwuna said.
He warned that if nothing changes soon, the union may have no other option but to resume industrial action.
The union highlighted several issues still unresolved, despite repeated assurances from the government. Chief among them is the full implementation of the 2009 agreement, which covers better university funding, improved salaries, and conditions of service for academic staff.
Also at the heart of ASUU’s demands are unpaid salary arrears, withheld promotions, and poor welfare for retired lecturers. According to Piwuna, many professors who spent over four decades in the system now earn less than ₦150,000 monthly as pension — an amount he described as shameful, especially considering the current economic hardship in the country.
“Our members are still owed three months’ salaries, yet the government is proposing loans instead of paying what is due,” he said.
ASUU also criticised the Federal Government’s proposed loan scheme for staff of tertiary institutions, calling it a “trap.” Piwuna explained that the idea of giving loans to lecturers who are still owed several months’ salaries is not only disrespectful but also out of touch with the real needs of the academic workforce.
“Our members do not need loans. What we need is the implementation of agreements that will improve our purchasing power. We can’t be borrowing money to survive while those responsible for our welfare ignore us,” he said.
The union further raised concerns about the indiscriminate establishment of new universities by both federal and state governments without adequate planning or funding. ASUU argued that this move is weakening the quality of education and contributing to Nigeria’s declining global academic rankings.
“Rather than fund existing institutions properly, the government continues to approve more universities that it cannot sustain. This approach is irresponsible and will only worsen the situation,” Piwuna stated.
While ASUU is yet to announce the date for a possible strike, Dr. Piwuna disclosed that the union is awaiting the outcome of a scheduled government meeting on August 28, where some of the issues may be discussed.
However, he said ASUU members across the country will hold peaceful rallies on various campuses next week to draw attention to their plight and mobilise support.
“Time is running out. We cannot continue to wait endlessly while the future of Nigerian universities is destroyed,” he warned.
This is not the first time ASUU has threatened or embarked on a nationwide strike. The union has gone on strike multiple times in the last decade over the same 2009 agreement. Most recently, in 2022, ASUU went on an eight-month strike that crippled academic activities across the country, leaving students stranded and prompting nationwide criticism of the government’s handling of the education sector.
Despite several negotiations, memoranda of understanding, and court interventions, many of the union’s demands remain unmet.
With the new threat of industrial action, the fate of millions of students in Nigeria’s public universities once again hangs in the balance. Parents and students alike are anxiously watching to see whether the government will act in time to prevent another disruption.
Observers believe that unless urgent steps are taken to address the core issues raised by ASUU, another long and painful strike may be inevitable — further worsening the state of public education in Nigeria.
