ASUU threatens strike nationwide over 2009 Agreement

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has urged the Federal Government to honour the 2009 FG/ASUU agreement or face a nationwide industrial action.

ASUU President, Chris Piwuna, issued this warning during a news conference in Abuja on Friday.

He stressed the importance of the government fulfilling its promises and addressing the worsening conditions in Nigerian universities.

‎According to Piwuna, nine critical issues remain unresolved, including the stalled renegotiation process since 2017.

‎He mentioned withheld salaries from the 2022 strike and unpaid entitlements linked to the contentious Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS).

‎Piwuna also criticised the delayed release of revitalisation funds and earned academic allowances due to government inaction.

‎In spite of promises to inject ₦150 billion into universities and adjust irregular allowances by 2026, he said these commitments remain unfulfilled.
‎He highlighted the marginalisation of ASUU members at state institutions such as Kogi State University and Lagos State University.

‎According to him, victimisation, salary denial, and job insecurity persist in those universities, undermining staff morale.

‎On university autonomy, he said political interference has compromised the selection of leaders, citing Nnamdi Azikiwe and Abuja universities as examples.

‎Piwuna warned that universities are becoming battlegrounds for political and economic interests, which he described as unacceptable.

He called for a national rebirth through education, saying it is vital for Nigeria’s transformation and prosperity.

‎To address the crisis, he proposed a national education summit focusing on funding, autonomy, and academic welfare.

‎“Education empowers citizens, drives innovation, and instils values. Without it, development is impossible,” Piwuna said.

‎He reaffirmed ASUU’s commitment to reforming Nigerian universities and urged patriotic Nigerians and global allies to support their struggle.

‎“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. (NAN)