The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) is preparing for a nationwide strike, citing the federal government’s failure to address longstanding welfare concerns. According to a member of ASUU’s National Executive Committee, the union has grown increasingly frustrated with what it describes as the government’s lackadaisical approach to the welfare of university lecturers. A NEC meeting is expected to be convened soon, where a final decision on industrial action will be made.
At the heart of the dispute are unresolved issues dating back to the 2009 FGN-ASUU agreement. These include improved funding for universities, better working conditions, university autonomy, and the release of withheld salaries. ASUU President Chris Piwuna has reiterated that the union will not back down unless these demands are met, warning that the government’s continued neglect has left lecturers demoralized and financially strained.
The union has also rejected a recent proposal to involve ASUU as a guarantor in a new loan scheme under the Tertiary Institutional Staff Support Fund, describing it as a diversion from the core issues affecting its members. ASUU maintains that no amount of platitudes or token gestures can replace a comprehensive collective bargaining agreement that addresses the real challenges facing Nigeria’s university system.
This looming strike threatens to disrupt academic activities across public universities, potentially affecting thousands of students nationwide. With economic pressures mounting and the academic calendar already strained, stakeholders are urging both parties to return to the negotiating table and find a sustainable resolution.
