The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has issued a stern warning to the Federal Government, urging it to address unresolved commitments crucial to revitalising Nigeria’s higher education sector.
At a press briefing held at the Festus Iyayi National Secretariat Complex, University of Abuja, ASUU President Chris Piwuna lamented what he described as persistent neglect and worsening conditions in Nigerian universities.
He said the delay in finalising the 2009 FGN/ASUU Agreement, coupled with dwindling autonomy and struggles within state universities, reflects poorly on the government’s commitment to education.
Dr Piwuna disclosed that members of the union have endured harsh working environments and deteriorating service conditions over the past two years.
He stressed that the government’s failure to honour its promises, especially regarding the revitalisation fund of N150 billion and the mainstreaming of Earned Academic Allowances (EAA) into the national budget, could trigger another industrial action.
Despite reaching an understanding with the Yayale Ahmed-led renegotiation committee and agreeing on a revised draft by the Nimi Briggs Committee in December 2024, Piwuna said there has been no formal conclusion.
He accused both federal and state authorities of giving mere lip service to educational reforms, even after the union deferred strike action for nearly a year in good faith.
ASUU’s demands also include payment of three-and-a-half months’ withheld salaries following the 2022 strike, and the release of unpaid earnings for staff on sabbatical, part-time, and adjunct roles.
