ASUU Threatens Nationwide Strike Over Unfulfilled Government Agreements

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has raised the possibility of a nationwide strike, accusing the Federal Government of failing to honour long-standing agreements on revitalising and properly funding Nigeria’s public universities.

Speaking at a press conference at the University of Jos on Thursday, ASUU President Christopher Piwuna said lecturers have endured more than two years of broken promises and government delays.

He highlighted unresolved issues, including the renegotiation of the 2009 ASUU-FGN agreement, unpaid salary arrears, withheld promotions, and the welfare of retired lecturers.

“The general public should also note that ASUU has written several letters to the FGN urging an amicable resolution. Sadly, the FGN has consistently ignored our appeals,” Piwuna said.

He added: “It is the FGN that has repeatedly pushed our union toward strike action. ASUU may have no option but to act to compel the government to address our demands. Promises made by the government on these matters remain unfulfilled, and this could lead to a major crisis in our educational sector.”

Piwuna rejected the government’s proposed tertiary institutions staff support fund loan scheme, calling it a “trap.”

“Our members do not need loans. We need the implementation of agreements that enhance our purchasing power. The government still owes us three months’ salaries, yet they expect us to borrow money,” he said.

The union also criticised the rapid proliferation of universities without sustainable funding, warning that this has lowered standards and global rankings. On pensions, ASUU lamented that professors who have served over 40 years now receive as little as ₦150,000 per month, despite rising inflation and living costs.

ASUU said it will wait for the outcome of a government meeting scheduled for August 28 before deciding its next move. In the meantime, members will hold rallies across campuses next week to express their frustrations.

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

With this warning, concerns are mounting that another round of ASUU strike may be imminent, further disrupting Nigeria’s fragile education system.