The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has urged the Federal Government to honour the 2009 FG/ASUU agreement or face a nationwide strike.
The president of ASUU, Chris Piwuna, issued this warning during a news conference in Abuja on Friday.
He emphasised the importance of the government fulfilling its promises and addressing the worsening conditions in Nigerian universities.
According to him, nine critical issues remain unresolved, including the stalled renegotiation process since 2017.
He noted the delayed salary from the 2022 strike, as well as unpaid entitlements related to the disputed Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System.
Piwuna also complained about the government’s failure to release revitalisation funding and earned academic allowances on time.
He stated that despite promises to invest ₦150 billion in colleges and correct irregular allowances by 2026, these commitments have not been met.
He emphasised the marginalisation of ASUU members at state institutions such as Kogi State University and Lagos State University.
He claims that victimisation, wage denial, and job uncertainty still exist in those universities, eroding staff morale.
Concerning university autonomy, he stated that political influence has hampered the appointment of leaders, citing Nnamdi Azikiwe and Abuja universities as instances.
Piwuna cautioned that colleges are becoming battlegrounds for political and economic agendas, which he considers unacceptable.
He advocated for a national rebirth through education, stating that it is critical for Nigeria’s change and prosperity.
To address the situation, he recommended a national education summit centred on money, autonomy, and academic well-being.
“Education empowers citizens, drives innovation, and instils values. Without it, development is impossible,” Piwuna said.
He reiterated ASUU’s commitment to reforming Nigerian universities and urged patriotic Nigerians and global 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 said.
