ASUU Rejects FG Loan Scheme, Plans Nationwide Protests

Ufuoma Omojirhe

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has flatly rejected the Federal Government’s proposed Tertiary Institutions Staff Support Fund (TISSF), describing it as a ploy to mortgage academics into debt rather than address their legitimate welfare demands.

Rising from its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held at Usmanu Danfodio University, Sokoto, from Saturday 16th to Sunday 17th August 2025, the union declared it would not serve as guarantor to any loan scheme it had no role in designing.

In a communiqué signed by its National President, Prof. Christopher Piwuna, ASUU insisted that the union be delisted from the process, warning that the scheme amounted to a continuation of the “weaponisation of poverty” against lecturers.

“Loans cannot replace fair salaries. Nigerian academics need dignity, not debt,” the statement read in part.

The NEC also expressed disappointment at government’s slow pace in addressing outstanding issues in the sector. Consequently, ASUU resolved to organise nationwide protests and press conferences across all branches on a date to be announced.

Other highlights of the Sokoto meeting included:

Adoption of the Tertiary Institutions Transparency and Accountability Solution (TITAS) as a homegrown replacement for IPPIS, with universities such as UNIJOS, UNILAG, LAUTECH, and ATBU showing interest.

A call for universities to remit the 5% Earned Academic Allowance (EAA) deduction to strengthen the Nigerian University Pension Management Company (NUPEMCO).

Warning to members against associating with unrecognised unions such as FENGASAN.

Approval of fresh branch elections and by-elections in at least 12 universities between September and December 2025.

The communiqué stressed that unless government urgently realigns salaries, provides adequate research funding, and restores university autonomy, Nigeria’s higher education system will continue to deteriorate.

ASUU announced that its next NEC meeting will hold at Taraba State University, Jalingo, in November 2025.