ASUU warns Federal Government over stalled agreement talks

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has issued a stern warning to the Federal Government, urging it to brace for the consequences of failing to reach a long-awaited agreement with the union.

Speaking to journalists, ASUU President, Professor Christopher Piwuna, expressed deep frustration over the government’s continued inaction on critical issues affecting university lecturers and Nigeria’s education sector.

“In the days and weeks ahead, the government should be ready to accept whatever they see,” Prof. Piwuna stated, lamenting the prolonged stalemate in negotiations that have dragged on for years.

He said the union has exhausted its patience after years of unfulfilled promises and stalled discussions. “We are tired of words and promises,” the ASUU president added.

Professor Piwuna reiterated that the union’s demands are neither new nor ambiguous. He cited the 2009 agreement with the Federal Government, which outlined vital issues including conditions of service, university autonomy, academic freedom, sustainable funding, and the payment of earned academic allowances.

“It has been seven years since we started renegotiation with the government. It has reached a point where something must give way. We either have an agreement or we don’t,” he said. “Our members can only respond to action.”

He stressed that addressing the current crisis in Nigeria’s tertiary education system requires concrete steps, especially in terms of funding and staff welfare.

“We believe that the infrastructural decay, demoralised staff, cultism and the declining quality of education in our universities can best be addressed through increased funding and improved remuneration for our members,” he added.

The ASUU president also called for the inclusion of non-teaching staff in salary reviews, noting that such inclusion would foster harmony and stability within the university system.

“Let me be clear, non-teaching staff of the university should be carried along as our salaries are reviewed. It will promote harmony and stabilise the system,” he emphasised.

As the deadlock lingers, stakeholders and observers await the government’s next move, with growing concern over what the outcome may mean for the future of public university education in Nigeria.