ASUU threatens nationwide strike over unfulfilled Government agreements

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has threatened a nationwide strike, accusing the Federal Government of failing to implement longstanding agreements on the funding and revitalisation of Nigeria’s public universities.

Speaking at a press conference at the University of Jos (UNIJOS) on Thursday, ASUU President Dr. Christopher Piwuna said lecturers have endured over two years of broken promises and delay tactics. He cited unresolved issues including renegotiation of the 2009 ASUU-FGN agreement, unpaid salary arrears, withheld promotions, and the welfare of retired lecturers.

“The government has repeatedly ignored our letters and appeals to resolve this crisis amicably,” Piwuna said. He added that the proposed tertiary institutions staff support loan scheme is “a trap,” stressing that members need proper implementation of agreements, not loans.

The union also criticised the proliferation of universities without adequate funding, warning it has weakened academic standards and Nigeria’s global rankings. On pensions, ASUU highlighted that professors with over 40 years of service now receive as little as ₦150,000 monthly despite rising inflation.

ASUU said it will await the outcome of a government meeting scheduled for August 28 before deciding on its next action. In the meantime, members plan rallies across campuses to express their frustrations.

Piwuna concluded: “Time is running out. We cannot continue to wait endlessly while the future of Nigerian universities is destroyed.”