The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has called on the Federal Government to honour the 2009 FG/ASUU agreement, warning that failure to do so could trigger a nationwide strike. ASUU President, Chris Piwuna, issued the ultimatum during a press briefing in Abuja on Friday, urging the government to address the deteriorating state of Nigerian universities and fulfill its long-standing commitments. Piwuna highlighted nine unresolved issues, including the stalled renegotiation process since 2017. He also pointed to withheld salaries from the 2022 strike and unpaid entitlements related to the controversial Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS). He criticised the delayed disbursement of revitalisation funds and earned academic allowances, noting that the government's pledge to invest ₦150 billion in the university system and review irregular allowances by 2026 remains unfulfilled.
ASUU also condemned the ongoing marginalisation of its members in state universities such as Kogi State University and Lagos State University, citing cases of victimisation, salary denial, and job insecurity that continue to erode staff morale.
On the issue of university autonomy, Piwuna accused political actors of interfering in leadership appointments, referencing instances at Nnamdi Azikiwe University and the University of Abuja.
He warned that Nigerian universities risk becoming arenas for political and economic manipulation, an outcome he deemed unacceptable.
Piwuna called for a national revival through education, emphasizing that genuine transformation and national prosperity hinge on a well-funded and autonomous university system. He proposed a national education summit to address critical issues surrounding funding, institutional autonomy, and the welfare of academic staff.
“Education empowers citizens, drives innovation, and instils values. Without it, development is impossible,” Piwuna said.
“Our universities should be centres for solutions to national challenges.
“We are open to dialogue but will not tolerate further erosion of our rights,” Piwuna said.