The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has once again issued a stern warning to the Federal Government, demanding the immediate fulfilment of the 2009 FG/ASUU agreement or face a nationwide industrial action. This latest development comes amid growing frustration over the government’s continued failure to address critical issues affecting Nigeria’s public universities.
The Root of the Crisis
ASUU President, Chris Piwuna, speaking at a press conference in Abuja, highlighted nine unresolved issues that have plagued the university system for years. Among these are:
– The stalled renegotiation of the 2009 agreement, which has been pending since 2017.
– The withholding of salaries following the 2022 strike.
– Unpaid entitlements related to the controversial Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS).
– The failure to release revitalisation funds and pay earned academic allowances.
– The government’s unfulfilled pledge to inject ₦150 billion into the university system and adjust irregular allowances by 2026.
Political Interference and Marginalisation
Beyond financial concerns, ASUU has also raised alarms over political interference in the selection of university leaders. Piwuna cited examples from Nnamdi Azikiwe University and the University of Abuja, where political and economic interests have allegedly compromised the integrity of leadership selection processes.
Additionally, ASUU members in state-owned institutions such as Kogi State University and Lagos State University have reportedly faced victimisation, job insecurity, and salary denials, further exacerbating the deteriorating academic environment.
A Call for National Rebirth Through Education
ASUU has proposed a national education summit to address key issues such as funding, university autonomy, and the welfare of academic staff. Piwuna emphasized that education plays a vital role in empowering citizens, driving innovation, and instilling values, warning that without adequate investment, national development will remain unattainable.
While ASUU remains open to dialogue, Piwuna made it clear that the union will not tolerate any further erosion of its rights. “Our universities should be centres for solutions to national challenges. We are open to dialogue but will not tolerate further erosion of our rights,” he stated firmly.
What Lies Ahead?
With ASUU’s history of prolonged strikes, the possibility of another nationwide shutdown looms large. If the government fails to act swiftly, Nigeria’s university students may once again find themselves out of classrooms, disrupting academic calendars and further deepening the crisis in the education sector.
The question remains: Will the government finally honour its commitments, or will Nigeria’s higher education system continue to suffer? Only time will tell.
