By Charles Maduka
The Academic Staff Union of Universities has warned that it may embark on a nationwide strike if the Federal Government fails to implement the 2009 FG/ASUU agreement.
ASUU President, Chris Piwuna, issued the threat during a press conference in Abuja, where he criticised the government’s consistent neglect of university education and failure to keep promises made to the union.
Piwuna noted that nine major issues remain unresolved, including the stalled renegotiation of the 2009 agreement since 2017, withheld salaries from the 2022 industrial action, and unpaid entitlements tied to the controversial Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System.
He condemned the non-release of revitalisation funds and earned academic allowances, despite previous government commitments to inject ₦150 billion into universities and review irregular allowances by 2026.
The ASUU President also decried the treatment of union members at state institutions such as Kogi State University and Lagos State University, where he said staff face victimisation, non-payment of salaries, and job insecurity.
He further accused political authorities of interfering in the appointment of university leaders, naming Nnamdi Azikiwe University and the University of Abuja as examples of compromised autonomy.
According to him, universities are increasingly becoming arenas for political and economic manipulation, rather than centres of academic excellence.
Calling for urgent reforms, Piwuna proposed a national education summit to focus on funding, institutional autonomy, and staff welfare, stressing that education is central to the nation’s growth and transformation.
“Education empowers citizens, drives innovation, and builds values. Without quality education, no country can develop,” he said.
Piwuna reaffirmed ASUU’s dedication to revitalising Nigeria’s universities and called on well-meaning Nigerians and international supporters to back the union’s demands.
“We remain open to dialogue, but we will not sit idle while our rights and the future of our universities are eroded,” he declared.
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