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 face a nationwide industrial action.
ASUU President, Chris Piwuna, delivered the ultimatum during a press conference in Abuja on Friday, highlighting the deteriorating conditions in Nigerian universities and the government’s persistent failure to honour its commitments.
Piwuna revealed that nine critical issues remain unresolved, including the stalled renegotiation of the 2009 agreement since 2017, withheld salaries from the 2022 strike, and unpaid entitlements related to the contentious Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS).
He also condemned the government’s inaction on the release of revitalisation funds and earned academic allowances. Despite previous promises to inject ₦150 billion into the university system and adjust irregular allowances by 2026, these pledges have yet to be fulfilled.
The ASUU president further decried the marginalisation of members at state-owned institutions like Kogi State University and Lagos State University, where cases of victimisation, salary denial, and job insecurity are rife, severely impacting staff morale.
On the issue of university autonomy, Piwuna criticised political interference in the appointment of university leadership, citing Nnamdi Azikiwe University and the University of Abuja as examples where due process has been compromised.
“Universities are gradually becoming battlegrounds for political and economic interests, and this is unacceptable,” he warned.
Piwuna advocated for a national rebirth through education, calling for a national summit to address funding, autonomy, and academic welfare. He emphasised that education is key to Nigeria’s transformation and prosperity.
“Education empowers citizens, drives innovation, and instils values. Without it, development is impossible,” he stated.
He reaffirmed ASUU’s commitment to the reform of Nigerian universities and urged patriotic citizens and international allies to support their struggle.
“Our universities should be centres for solutions to national challenges. We are open to dialogue but will not tolerate further erosion of our rights,” Piwuna concluded.