The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has urged the Federal Government to place education at the top of its national priorities, warning that continued inaction could disrupt academic activities across Nigerian universities.
Speaking on Saturday at a press conference organized by ASUU’s Bauchi Zone, Zonal Coordinator Professor Timothy Namo highlighted the urgency of resolving long-standing issues affecting the sector. He noted that despite repeated warnings and negotiations, critical matters remain unresolved.
“On 28 August 2025, ASUU engaged the press at Sa’adu Zungur University, Gadau, Bauchi State, under the directive of our National Executive Council (NEC), warning of a potential disruption of academic activities unless urgent action was taken,” Namo recalled.
He explained that the government’s slow response prompted ASUU to declare a two-week warning strike on 13 October 2025. An emergency NEC meeting on 21 October reviewed the developments, noting public support from students, the media, the Nigeria Labour Congress, and the National Assembly. Despite this, the issues remain largely unresolved.
NEC later suspended the strike to give the government a one-month window for renegotiations. “With only days left before the deadline expires, nothing substantial has been achieved,” Namo said.
At a meeting held at Taraba State University, Jalingo, from 8–9 November 2025, the Union rejected the government’s proposed salary increase, describing it as “a drop in the ocean” insufficient to address the ongoing brain drain in Nigerian universities. While some non-monetary issues have seen progress, salary and conditions-of-service remain unresolved.
The Union also accused certain government officials of undermining the integrity of negotiations by subtly misrepresenting offers, a move that erodes trust and complicates efforts to stabilize the university system.
ASUU further criticized the part-payment of promotion arrears dating back to 2017 and the delayed release of outstanding third-party deductions, calling the partial gestures inadequate to restore confidence among academics.
Citing Federal Accounts Allocation Committee data showing increased government revenues between 2022 and 2024, the Union argued the issue is not funding but political will. “Massive investment in education is the most reliable path to securing the future of Nigerian children,” Namo said.
ASUU called on traditional rulers, civil society groups, students, the Nigeria Labour Congress, and the National Assembly to pressure the Federal Government to act decisively to prevent further crises in the university system.
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