ASUU Threatens Fresh Strike, Rejects FG’s Loan Scheme
THECONSCIENCE NG reports that the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has issued a stern warning to the Federal Government over its failure to honour longstanding agreements and address persistent issues in Nigeria’s public university system.
ASUU President, Prof. Christopher Piwuna, delivered the warning on Thursday during a press briefing at the University of Jos, stressing that the government has eroded the union’s trust and must act swiftly to avert another industrial action.
“We’ve been patient for over two years with no tangible results. The government has destroyed trust and must rebuild it,” Piwuna stated.
Key Issues: 2009 Agreement, Salary Arrears, and University Revitalisation
Prof. Piwuna accused the government of intentionally stalling the renegotiation of the 2009 ASUU-FGN Agreement, failing to clear outstanding salary arrears, and neglecting the implementation of critical measures needed to revitalise public universities.
He lamented the government’s inaction despite receiving the Alhaji Yayale Ahmed-led report—a key document for renegotiation—in February 2025.
“That report has been sitting idle until our meeting on August 11, 2025. This is unacceptable and undermines the principle of collective bargaining,” he said.
ASUU noted that Nigeria, as a signatory to the International Labour Organisation (ILO) Convention, is obligated to uphold collective bargaining—a principle it claims the government is now abandoning.
The union also emphasised that the renegotiated agreement covers vital issues such as conditions of service, university autonomy, academic freedom, improved funding, and reforms in regulatory agencies like JAMB and the National Universities Commission (NUC).
ASUU Rejects Government’s Loan Scheme for Lecturers
ASUU also rejected the proposed Tertiary Institutions Staff Support Fund (TISSF), which aims to provide loans to lecturers. The union described the initiative as a “poison chalice”, arguing that what lecturers need is improved pay, not loans.
“We don’t need debt. We need a signed agreement that enhances our purchasing power and reduces our dependence on cooperative loans,” Piwuna said.
He warned that deducting multiple payments—such as union dues, NHIS, pension, and loan repayments—would leave lecturers with virtually nothing to support their families.
“This is a bait. The loan will cripple cooperative societies and perpetually enslave our members financially,” he added.
ASUU also criticised the government’s continued withholding of 3½ months’ salaries, urging that funds meant for loans be redirected to settle these arrears.
Concerns Over Mushrooming Universities
The union condemned the proliferation of public and private universities across the country, accusing successive governments of using them as instruments of political patronage rather than genuine centres of learning.
According to ASUU, Nigeria now has 339 universities—72 federal, 108 state, and 159 private—many of which lack basic infrastructure and adequate staffing.
The union called for a moratorium on establishing new universities, including private institutions, warning that unchecked expansion would worsen educational standards and global rankings.
Retired Lecturers “Living in Poverty”
ASUU expressed deep concern over the plight of retired professors under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS), stating that many receive as little as ₦150,000 monthly—despite decades of service.
“Our retired colleagues are battling chronic illnesses and supporting dependents on meagre pensions. This is cruel and must bereversed,” Piwuna said.
Next Steps: Awaiting August 28 Meeting, Rallies Planned
Following its recent National Executive Council (NEC) meeting at Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, ASUU resolved to wait for the outcome of a scheduled government meeting on August 28, 2025, before deciding on further action.
However, the union announced plans to hold warning rallies across university campuses next week, to alert the public and pressure the government into action.
“We cannot continue this journey on empty tanks. If the government fails to act, ASUU will be left with no choice but to take necessary action to defend public university education,” Piwuna warned.
ASUU’s Core Demands
ASUU reiterated its key demands, which include:
- Full renegotiation and signing of the 2009 ASUU-FGN Agreement
- Immediate revitalisation of public universities
- Sustainable funding and support for higher education
- An end to the victimisation of ASUU members
- Immediate payment of withheld salaries“We have done everything possible to resolve these issues amicably. The Federal Government has consistently pushed us to the edge. If a strike occurs, Nigerians should know who to hold responsible,” the ASUU President concluded.
