ASUU Threatens Nationwide Strike Over Unmet Demands

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has issued a stern warning to the Federal Government, demanding the immediate implementation of the 2009 FG/ASUU agreement or risk facing a nationwide industrial action.

Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Friday, ASUU President, Professor Chris Piwuna, criticised the government’s continued neglect of Nigeria’s public universities, stating that the system is on the verge of collapse due to broken promises and systemic underfunding.

According to Piwuna, nine critical issues remain unresolved, including the prolonged renegotiation process that has been stalled since 2017. He further condemned the government’s refusal to pay withheld salaries from the 2022 strike and other unpaid entitlements tied to the controversial Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS).

“Despite repeated assurances to inject ₦150 billion into the university system and review irregular allowances by 2026, the government has not fulfilled these promises,” Piwuna stated. “This shows a blatant disregard for the academic community and the future of Nigerian youth.”

The ASUU president also drew attention to what he described as the victimisation and marginalisation of union members in state universities such as Kogi State University and Lagos State University, where issues of salary denial and job insecurity persist.

He decried increasing political interference in university governance, saying that the autonomy of institutions had been compromised. He cited examples such as Nnamdi Azikiwe University and the University of Abuja, where, he claimed, appointments were manipulated by political interests.

“Our universities are being turned into battlegrounds for economic and political exploitation. This is unacceptable,” Piwuna declared, calling for a national rebirth through education.

He proposed the convening of a national education summit to address pressing issues such as sustainable funding, institutional autonomy, and the welfare of academic staff.

“Education is the bedrock of development. It empowers citizens, drives innovation, and instils values. Without it, national growth remains a mirage,” he added.

While reaffirming ASUU’s commitment to reforming the country’s higher education system, Piwuna urged patriotic Nigerians and the international community to support the union’s struggle for a better university system.

“We remain open to dialogue,” he said, “but we will not accept any further erosion of our rights.”

The Federal Government has yet to respond officially to ASUU’s latest ultimatum.