The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has renewed its call on the Federal Government to honour the 2009 ASUU/FG agreement, warning that failure to do so could trigger another nationwide strike.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Friday, ASUU President, Professor Chris Piwuna, criticised the government’s continued neglect of critical issues affecting Nigerian universities.
Piwuna outlined nine unresolved concerns, including the stalled renegotiation process since 2017, non-payment of salaries from the 2022 strike, and outstanding entitlements linked to the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS).
He expressed disappointment over the government’s failure to release revitalisation funds and earned academic allowances, despite previous commitments to inject ₦150 billion into the university system and regularise payments by 2026.
ASUU also condemned what it described as the persistent victimisation of its members, particularly in state institutions like Kogi State University and Lagos State University, where challenges such as unpaid salaries and job insecurity remain unresolved.
Addressing the issue of university autonomy, Piwuna accused political actors of interfering in the appointment of university leaders. He cited alleged irregularities at institutions such as Nnamdi Azikiwe University and the University of Abuja.
“Universities are increasingly becoming arenas for political and economic influence. This must not be allowed to continue,” he stated.
Calling for a comprehensive reform of the education sector, Piwuna proposed a national education summit to focus on funding, institutional autonomy, and academic welfare. He stressed that education is central to national development.
“Education is the foundation of innovation, citizenship, and progress. Without a strong educational system, development is unattainable,” he said.
Piwuna reaffirmed ASUU’s commitment to reforming Nigeria’s higher education landscape and urged the support of patriotic Nigerians and international stakeholders.
“We remain open to meaningful dialogue, but we will not stand by while our rights and the future of education are undermined,” he concluded.
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