The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has rejected the Federal Government’s loan scheme for tertiary institution workers, insisting that the government should instead implement the 2009 agreement with the union.
Prof. Christopher Piwuna, National President of ASUU, made this known on Thursday at a press conference in Jos, the Plateau State capital.
Chronicle NG reports that the Federal Government had, two weeks ago, launched the Tertiary Institutions Staff Support Fund, a welfare and empowerment initiative for academic and non-academic staff in Nigeria’s tertiary institutions.
Dr Tunji Alausa, Minister of Education, stated in a statement that the fund was a direct reaction to the welfare and professional development demands of the country’s tertiary institution personnel.
However, the ASUU president during the press conference in Jos on Thursday described the loan scheme as a “poisoned chalice” and urged members to stay away from it.
“Our members do not lack where to find loans; indeed, they are already deep in debt from such loans.
“What we need now is for the government to sign our renegotiated agreement, which will improve our purchasing power and decrease our reliance on debts from cooperative societies.
“The union is demanding the implementation of the 2009 agreement, which includes issues like conditions of service, university autonomy, academic freedom, funding of universities, and review of laws governing JAMB and NUC,” he said.
Piwuna emphasised that the government has been postponing the agreement’s renegotiation despite the publication of the Alhaji Yayale Ahmed Report in February 2025.
The union warned that if the government does not answer their requests, they may be forced to go on strike.
“Time is running out. We will no longer tolerate a situation where those who fought for the sustenance of the universities will be treated with such disdain,” Piwuna said, adding that the union is prepared for all options.
The leader of the union also criticised the government’s priorities, questioning why it would introduce a loan scheme when the union’s members are still owed 3½ months’ salaries.
“Government should use the money set aside for the loans to defray our withheld salaries,” he said.
The ASUU leader urged its members to participate in a rally across campuses next week, which will be the first shot at the government.
He charged well-meaning Nigerians to advise the government not to stampede the union into any action.
“We cannot disregard one of the core principles of the organisation ‘CBA’.
“We, therefore, wish to caution the government to return to this principle in addressing the issues in our draft agreement.
“The National Executive Committee of ASUU considered and acknowledged the planned government meeting of 28th August 2025.
“NEC will, therefore, be decisive on the outcome of the meeting.
“We are determined to end the pronouncements by the government claiming commitment to sound university education and fidelity to collective agreement.
“Trust has been destroyed by government; it is, therefore, up to them to regain it to avert any strike,” the ASUU president added.
