ASUU URGES GOVERNMENT TO PRIORITISE EDUCATION, WARNS AGAINST DELAY IN RENEGOTIATION

ASUU URGES GOVERNMENT TO PRIORITISE EDUCATION, WARNS AGAINST DELAY IN RENEGOTIATION

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has called on the Federal Government to take urgent steps toward resolving outstanding issues affecting university education in Nigeria, stressing that further delay in genuine negotiation could have grave consequences for the nation’s academic system.

In a press release issued from the Festus Iyayi National Secretariat Complex, University of Abuja, following its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held at Taraba State University, Jalingo, on November 8 and 9, 2025, the union expressed disappointment over the government’s inconsistent approach to negotiation.

ASUU President, Dr. Christopher Piwuna, recalled that after the NEC’s emergency meeting on October 21, 2025, the union had suspended its warning strike in good faith to allow for meaningful engagement. He, however, lamented that the government has failed to seize the opportunity to conclude the renegotiation process within the one-month window earlier agreed.

The statement described the proposed salary increment as “a mere drop in the ocean,” inadequate to reverse the persistent brain drain affecting the university system. It added that while progress had been made in some non-monetary areas, the salary and welfare issues remain unresolved.

ASUU accused some government officials of misrepresenting facts and undermining the negotiation process by portraying partial payments and release of arrears as major achievements. The union stressed that such tactics cast doubt on government sincerity and could jeopardize ongoing talks.

Highlighting that both federal and state governments had recorded significant increases in revenue allocations between 2022 and 2024, ASUU dismissed claims of limited funds as a valid excuse for neglecting education. The union maintained that the real issue is a lack of political will rather than economic constraints.

ASUU therefore appealed to traditional rulers, labour unions, students, civil society groups, and all well-meaning Nigerians to continue urging government to invest in education and provide lecturers with a living wage, describing education as the surest way to protect the nation’s future.