NAN Report
THE ACADEMIC Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has asked the federal government to fulfil the 2009 FG/ASUU agreement or face a nationwide industrial action.
Chris Piwuna, ASUU president, spoke during a press conference in Abuja on Friday.
Piwuna said the union was frustrated by the government’s failure to resolve nine critical issues that have long plagued Nigeria’s public universities.
The ASUU president highlighted the stalled renegotiation of the agreement since 2017 as part of the unresolved issues.
He mentioned the withholding of salaries from the 2022 strike and unpaid entitlements linked to the controversial Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS).
Piwuna also criticised the government’s delay in releasing revitalisation funds and earned academic allowances.
He said commitments remain unfulfilled despite pledges to inject N150 billion into the university system and adjust irregular allowances by 2026.
Piwuna alleged the marginalisation of ASUU members at state-owned institutions like Kogi State University and Lagos State University.
He cited victimisation, job insecurity, and salary denials in those institutions, adding that these issues undermine staff morale.
He argued that universities are becoming “battlegrounds for political and economic interests”.
He said political interference has compromised the selection of leaders in institutions such as Nnamdi Azikiwe University and the University of Abuja.
The ASUU president called for a “national rebirth through education”. He proposed an education summit focused on funding, university autonomy and academic welfare.
“Education empowers citizens, drives innovation, and instils values. Without it, development is impossible,” Piwuna said.
“Our universities should be centres for solutions to national challenges.
“We are open to dialogue but will not tolerate further erosion of our rights.”
