ASUU Rejects FG’s N10m Loan Scheme, Mobilises for Nationwide Protests

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has rejected the Federal Government’s inclusion of the union in the newly launched Tertiary Institutions Staff Support Fund (TISSF), describing it as a ploy to force the union into acting as a “guarantor of loans it knows nothing about.”

In a communiqué issued at the end of its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held at Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, and signed by its President, Prof. Christopher Piwuna, ASUU directed its members to prepare for fresh nationwide protests over unresolved disputes with the government.

ASUU insisted that instead of floating loan schemes, the Federal Government should prioritise the release of its members’ withheld three-and-a-half-month salaries, which the union said would have more impact on their welfare.

“NEC resolved to reject the ploy to conscript ASUU as ‘guarantor’ of loans the union knows nothing about and demands that ASUU be delisted from the process. NEC calls on the government to fast-track the conclusion and implementation of the renegotiation of the FGN-ASUU agreement by the Yayale Ahmed-led committee,” the communiqué read.

The Federal Government, through the Minister of State for Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, had last week introduced the TISSF – a zero-interest loan scheme that allows academic and non-academic staff of tertiary institutions to access up to ₦10 million. Eligibility was tied to factors such as at least five years left before retirement and membership of recognised unions including ASUU, SSANU, and NASU.

But ASUU faulted the move, accusing the government of failing to address its long-standing demands, which include the renegotiation of the 2009 FGN-ASUU agreement, improved conditions of service, university autonomy, adequate funding, and a review of laws governing regulatory bodies such as the National Universities Commission and JAMB.

The communiqué further revealed that ASUU plans to launch its “Tertiary Institutions Transparency and Accountability Solution” (TITAS) as an alternative to the University Transparency and Accountability Solution (UTAS). The union said TITAS was already at an advanced stage, with several universities indicating readiness to adopt the platform.

On the planned protests, ASUU stated that all its branches would hold demonstrations and press conferences simultaneously on a date to be announced soon, warning the government against further delay in resolving outstanding issues.