ASUU Threatens Fresh Nationwide Strike

By Friday Obande

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has once again drawn the Federal Government’s attention to honor the 2009 agreement, threatening a nationwide industrial action if their demands are not met.

This is coming after series of negotiations between the university academic staff and the Federal Government, which had constantly been deadlocked.

Slyke Bulletin reports that ASUU President Chris Piwuna announced the notification during a weekend news conference in Abuja. According to him, the government is obliged to fulfil its promises and addressing the deteriorating working conditions of Nigerian universities.

“Nine critical issues remain unresolved, including the stalled renegotiation process since 2017.

He went on to stress that, “withheld salaries from the 2022 strike and unpaid entitlements are linked to the contentious Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS). He also criticised the delayed release of revitalisation funds and earned academic allowances due to government inaction.

In spite of promises to inject ₦150 billion into universities and adjust irregular allowances by 2026, he said these commitments remain unfulfilled.

Highlighting the marginalization of ASUU members at state institutions such as Kogi State University and Lagos State University, Pinuwa lamented the victimisation, salary denial, and job insecurity in those universities, undermining staff morale amongst other negligence of government.

On leadership selection in the university system, he complained about how political interference has compromised the process, citing Nnamdi Azikiwe and University of Abuja as critical examples. He also called for a national rebirth through education, which is vital for Nigeria’s transformation and prosperity.

The ASUU boss then proposed a national education summit focusing on funding, autonomy, and academic welfare. “Education empowers citizens, drives innovation, and instils values. Without it, development is impossible,” Piwuna said.

He said ASUU is committed 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.”
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“We are open to dialogue but will not tolerate further erosion of our rights,” he further stated.