ASUU Faults Government Over Neglected Universities, Calls for Action on Unmet Promises

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has called on the Federal Government to honour the long-standing 2009 agreement or risk another nationwide strike. ASUU President, Chris Piwuna, made this known during a press briefing held in Abuja on Friday, where he expressed growing frustration over the government’s failure to deliver on promises made to Nigeria’s public universities.

Piwuna highlighted several unresolved issues that have lingered for years. Chief among them is the stalled renegotiation of the 2009 agreement, which has been inactive since 2017. He also pointed to the withheld salaries of lecturers from the 2022 strike and unresolved payments related to the controversial Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS). According to him, these issues have continued to weaken morale and erode trust among academic staff.

Another key concern is the government’s delay in releasing revitalisation funds and earned academic allowances. Although promises were made to inject ₦150 billion into the university system and correct irregular allowances by 2026, Piwuna said none of these pledges have been fulfilled. He also drew attention to the plight of ASUU members at state-owned institutions, particularly in Kogi State University and Lagos State University, where staff face persistent challenges such as victimisation, salary denial, and job insecurity.

Piwuna condemned what he described as increasing political interference in university governance. He cited recent controversies surrounding leadership appointments at institutions like Nnamdi Azikiwe University and the University of Abuja, arguing that such meddling compromises university autonomy and integrity.

He warned that the country’s universities are gradually being turned into arenas for political and economic interests—an outcome that, in his words, undermines the core mission of education.

Piwuna emphasised the urgent need for a national reset driven by education. He proposed a national summit focused on key issues such as funding, autonomy, and the welfare of academic staff. He noted that education remains central to national progress, saying it equips citizens, inspires innovation, and strengthens values.

Reaffirming ASUU’s commitment to the revitalisation of public universities, Piwuna urged well-meaning Nigerians and international allies to support the union’s efforts. He reiterated that ASUU remains open to dialogue but would no longer tolerate the neglect of its members’ rights and the steady decay of the university system.

“Our universities must become centres for solving national problems,” he said. “We want dialogue, but we won’t stand by while our rights are ignored.”