The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has called on the Federal Government to honor the 2009 FG/ASUU agreement, warning that failure to do so may trigger a nationwide industrial action.
ASUU President, Chris Piwuna, issued the stern warning during a news conference in Abuja on Friday, highlighting the government’s continued neglect of Nigerian universities and the worsening conditions affecting academic staff and students.
Piwuna revealed that nine critical issues remain unresolved, including the stalled renegotiation of the agreement since 2017. He also condemned the withholding of salaries from the 2022 strike period and unpaid entitlements linked to the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS).
He further criticized delays in releasing revitalization funds and earned academic allowances, noting that government promises to inject ₦150 billion into universities and adjust irregular allowances by 2026 have not been fulfilled.
The ASUU president expressed concern over the marginalization of union members in state universities such as Kogi State University and Lagos State University, where victimization, salary denial, and job insecurity persist, severely affecting staff morale.
Piwuna also raised alarm over political interference undermining university autonomy, citing the compromised leadership selection at Nnamdi Azikiwe University and the University of Abuja. He warned that universities are increasingly becoming battlegrounds for political and economic interests—an unacceptable trend that threatens academic freedom.
To resolve the crisis, ASUU proposed a national education summit focused on funding, autonomy, and academic welfare. Piwuna emphasized that education is key to Nigeria’s transformation and prosperity, calling for national rebirth through improved academic institutions.
“Education empowers citizens, drives innovation, and instills values. Without it, development is impossible,” he said.
Reaffirming ASUU’s commitment to reforming the university system, Piwuna urged Nigerians and international partners to support their struggle for better education and warned that while the union remains open to dialogue, it would not tolerate further erosion of its rights.
“Our universities should be centres for solutions to national challenges,” he concluded.
— NAN
