ASUU President Piwuna Warns of Looming Strike Over Govt’s Broken Promises

By Ufuoma Omojirhe

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has issued a strong warning of an impending nationwide strike, accusing the Federal Government of reneging on agreements crucial to the survival of Nigeria’s public universities.

Addressing journalists at the University of Jos on Thursday, ASUU President, Prof. Christopher Piwuna, said lecturers have endured over two years of “broken promises and delay tactics” from the government.

He listed unresolved issues including the renegotiation of the 2009 ASUU-FGN agreement, payment of outstanding salary arrears, withheld promotions, and the welfare of retired academics.

“The general public should note that ASUU has written several letters to the Federal Government, appealing for an amicable resolution. Unfortunately, the government has consistently turned a deaf ear to our pleas,” Piwuna said.

He stressed that the union may be left with no alternative but to embark on industrial action, adding that “time is running out” for the government to act.

ASUU also rejected the government’s proposed tertiary institutions staff support loan scheme, describing it as a “trap.” According to Piwuna, “Our members do not need loans. What we need is the implementation of agreements that will improve our purchasing power. Government still owes us three months’ salaries, yet they are asking us to borrow money.”

The union further criticised the proliferation of universities without sustainable funding, warning that the practice is undermining standards and worsening Nigeria’s global education rankings. On pensions, Piwuna lamented that professors who had served for decades now receive as little as ₦150,000 monthly, despite soaring inflation.

ASUU said it would await the outcome of a government meeting scheduled for August 28 before deciding on its next line of action. Meanwhile, members are set to stage rallies across campuses next week to register their frustrations.

“With the continued neglect of our universities, the future of higher education in Nigeria is being destroyed,” the ASUU president warned.

The latest ultimatum has heightened fears of another nationwide strike, which could further destabilise the already fragile education sector.