By Ikugbadi Oluwasegun
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has warned of a possible nationwide strike over the Federal Government’s continued failure to implement agreements reached with the union since 2013.
Speaking at a press conference at the University of Abuja on Friday, Professor Chris Piwuna, ASUU President, criticised the government’s neglect of issues affecting Nigerian universities, including poor funding, stalled agreements, and the release of withheld salaries from the 2022 strike.
According to Professor Piwuna, nine critical issues remain unresolved, including the stalled renegotiation process since 2017.
He listed withheld salaries from the 2022 strike and unpaid entitlements linked to the contentious Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS).
Professor Piwuna also criticised the delayed release of revitalisation funds and earned academic allowances due to government inaction.
Despite promises to inject ₦150 billion into universities and adjust irregular allowances by 2026, he said these commitments remain unfulfilled.
He also highlighted the marginalisation of ASUU members at state institutions such as the Kogi State University and the Lagos State University.
He added that victimisation, salary denial, and job insecurity persist in those universities, undermining staff morale.
On university autonomy, he said political interference compromised the selection of leaders, citing Nnamdi Azikiwe and Abuja universities as examples.
Mr Piwuna warned that universities were becoming battlegrounds for political and economic interests, which he described as unacceptable.
He called for a national rebirth through education, saying it was vital for Nigeria’s transformation and prosperity.
He proposed a national education summit focusing on funding, autonomy, and academic welfare to address the challenges facing university education in Nigeria.
“Education empowers citizens, drives innovation, and instils values. Without it, development is impossible,” Mr Piwuna said.
He reaffirmed ASUU’s commitment to reforming Nigerian universities and urged patriotic Nigerians and global allies to support their struggle.
He stated, “Our universities should be centres for solutions to national challenges. We are open to dialogue but will not tolerate further erosion of our rights.’’
The union also demanded immediate action on the payment of lecturers affected by the IPPIS payroll system, an end to political interference in university governance, and a halt to the misuse of TETFund resources
While reaffirming its openness to dialogue, the union signalled that industrial action may be inevitable if the government continues to ignore its demands.
It also urged state governors and university authorities to resolve lingering disputes in the interest of justice and academic stability.
