Lauretta Fagbohun
Abeokuta
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has called for sustained investment in Nigeria’s education sector, saying adequate funding is critical to strengthening public universities, promoting research and enabling the country to compete effectively in the global knowledge economy.
ASUU President, Prof. Christopher Piwuna, made the call on Wednesday during an interview on Eagle 102.5 FM’s Frontline, where he spoke on the implementation of the agreement reached between the union and the Federal Government in December 2025.
Piwuna said ASUU had initially pushed for 26 per cent of the national budget to be allocated to education, in line with international recommendations, but agreed to a 15 per cent benchmark after negotiations with the Federal Government, taking into consideration the country’s current economic realities.
He, however, stressed that the 15 per cent allocation should not be regarded as the final target, urging successive governments to progressively increase funding until Nigeria achieves a level capable of adequately supporting teaching, research and innovation.
According to him, the December 2025 agreement contains provisions for improved funding of public universities, enhanced salary structures for academic staff and the establishment of a dedicated research council to strengthen research and innovation in the country.
The ASUU president expressed concern over delays in implementing some provisions of the agreement, particularly issues relating to salary payments and the application of the revised salary structure. He noted that some state-owned universities still face payment challenges, with workers sometimes forced to embark on industrial action to secure their salaries.
Piwuna also emphasised that funding higher education should be a shared responsibility between the Federal and state governments, given the large number of state-owned universities across the country.
He said ASUU had continued to engage government officials, including the Minister of Education and Senator Larry Tejuosho, Chairman of the Federal Government Implementation Monitoring Committee, in its efforts to ensure the full implementation of the agreement.
Piwuna urged political leaders to treat education funding as a long-term investment in national development rather than an expenditure that could be reduced during periods of fiscal pressure, warning that persistent underfunding could undermine Nigeria’s human capital development, research capacity and economic progress.
