ABUJA – The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has warned of a potential new ASUU strike. The union expressed deep frustration with the Federal Government. ASUU stated the government has not resolved critical issues from the 2009 ASUU Agreement. The union also criticized the Bola Tinubu administration for what it termed institutional weakness and widespread corruption.
ASUU’s new President, Professor Chris Piwuna, delivered this message at a press conference in Abuja on Friday. He stated the union’s patience has been stretched to its limit. A key demand is the release of N150 billion for university revitalisation. Professor Piwuna firmly cautioned the government against testing ASUU’s resolve, noting the union has patiently delayed strike action for nearly a year. An ASUU strike would significantly disrupt higher education.
Professor Piwuna also linked persistent national insecurity to potential government benefit. He suggested this is why solutions remain elusive.
Long Unresolved Issues Fuel Strike Talk
ASUU is deeply dissatisfied with the government’s handling of the 2009 ASUU Agreement. Professor Piwuna spoke of the Yayale Ahmed Committee’s efforts. “We believe the Yayale Ahmed Committee has done its work. We have finished our part with them. We need to hear their outcome,” he said. “We have not heard from them. They should consult their leaders and respond to us quickly. Our patience in waiting for this renegotiated agreement is exhausted.”
ASUU members face difficult work conditions and poor terms of service. Professor Piwuna called on the Tinubu government education authorities to urgently fix all outstanding problems. These problems harm the development of Nigeria’s education system. Key unmet demands include:
- Completing the renegotiation of the 2009 FGN/ASUU Agreement. This should use the Nimi Briggs Committee’s 2021 draft as a basis.
- Releasing 3.5 months of salaries withheld after the 2022 ASUU strike.
- Paying overdue salaries to staff on sabbatical, part-time, and adjunct contracts.
- Releasing outstanding third-party deductions, like check-off dues and cooperative payments.
- Providing proper university funding Nigeria needs for revitalisation.
- Stopping the excessive creation of new universities by federal and state governments.
ASUU Points to Unkept Government Promises
Professor Piwuna asserted that the education sector has seen no real positive change under the Tinubu administration’s two years. He acknowledged some government promises on these pressing issues. “The government agreed to include the Earned Academic Allowance (EAA) in salaries. They said an Irregular Allowance budget line would be in the 2026 Budget. This was after releasing N50 billion for backlogs and budgeting N29 billion for 2025 EAA payments,” he stated.
“The government also promised to release N150 billion as revitalisation fund within four weeks, starting April 2025,” Professor Piwuna added. “Yet, we are still waiting for the government to keep these promises.” He stressed that ASUU members remain in suspense, waiting for an agreement reviewed by the Yayale Ahmed-led Committee in December 2024 to be signed, five months later. This prolonged waiting fuels the current ASUU strike considerations.
The union leader also raised concerns about Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) money. He claimed these funds are being diverted to the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND).
By Abiodun Labi
