THE Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has called on the Federal Government to implement the 2009 FG/ASUU agreement or risk another nationwide strike.
This was made known at a press conference in Abuja on Friday, May 23, 2024 by the ASUU President, Chris Piwuna, stressing the need for the government to meet its commitments and tackle the deteriorating state of Nigerian universities.
Piwuna noted that nine key issues remain unresolved, including the renegotiation process, which has been on hold since 2017.
He highlighted the issue of withheld salaries from the 2022 strike and unpaid entitlements tied to the controversial Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS).
Piwuna condemned the government’s delay in releasing revitalisation funds and earned academic allowances, blaming it on continued inaction.
He added that although the government had pledged to inject ₦150 billion into universities and resolve irregular allowances by 2026, these promises have yet to be fulfilled.
He pointed out the marginalisation of ASUU members in universities like Kogi State University and Lagos State University, citing ongoing issues such as victimisation, unpaid salaries, and job insecurity, which he said continue to affect staff morale.
On the issue of university autonomy, he noted that political interference has tainted the process of appointing university leaders, mentioning Nnamdi Azikiwe University and the University of Abuja as examples.
Piwuna warned that universities are increasingly being used to serve political and economic agendas, a trend he condemned as unacceptable.
He emphasised the need for national renewal through education, describing it as essential to Nigeria’s progress and development.
To resolve the ongoing challenges, he recommended a national education summit to address key issues including funding, institutional autonomy, and the welfare of academic staff.
“Education empowers citizens, drives innovation, and instils values. Without it, development is impossible,” Piwuna said.
He reaffirmed 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,” said.
Fatimah Quadri is a Journalist and a Fact-checker at The ICIR. She has written news articles, fact-checks, explainers, and media literacy in an effort to combat information disorder.
She can be reached at sunmibola_q on X or fquadri@icirnigeria.org