ASUU Issues Fresh Strike Warning to FG

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has warned the Federal and State Governments of an imminent industrial crisis in Nigeria’s public universities if long-standing issues are not addressed urgently.

In a statement signed by ASUU President, Christopher Piwuna, the union expressed deep frustration over unpaid entitlements, poor welfare, inadequate funding, and the government’s failure to honour agreements  particularly the renegotiation of the 2009 FGN-ASUU Agreement.

“Lecturers feel forgotten, shamed, and demoralised by past and present governments,” Piwuna said, adding that many teach “on empty stomachs” and conduct research without access to books, journals, chemicals, or basic teaching materials.

Dialogue Alone Won’t Work — ASUU

ASUU’s statement came in response to Minister of Education Dr. Tunji Alausa’s recent declaration that “never again” would ASUU or any tertiary institution embark on strike.

While acknowledging the importance of dialogue, the union insisted that “action must follow words.”

They accused government officials at both federal and state levels of “tokenism” and “picking and choosing” which aspects of agreements to implement.

Warning on Political Interference

The union also decried political interference in the appointment of vice-chancellors, citing controversies such as the recent promotion of the Acting Vice Chancellor of Alvan Ikoku University of Education, which they described as “fraught with contradictions.”

Final Call Before Another Strike

Reiterating its demands, ASUU urged all “genuine patriots” to pressure the government into fulfilling promises and creating a conducive work environment for academics.

“No memorandum or discussion can replace a Collective Bargaining Agreement. The time to act is now,” the statement concluded.

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