ASUU WARNS OF IMPENDING STRIKE.

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has issued a serious warning about a potential nationwide strike.

The union accuses the Federal Government of neglecting its commitments to revitalize Nigeria’s public universities. During a press conference at the University of Jos, ASUU President Christopher Piwuna expressed frustration over the government’s broken promises.

Piwuna highlighted several unresolved issues. These include the renegotiation of the 2009 ASUU-FGN agreement, unpaid salary arrears, and withheld promotions. He also raised concerns about the welfare of retiring lecturers. The ASUU president stated, “We have written numerous letters to the Federal Government, but they have ignored our pleas.”

He emphasized that the government consistently pushes the union toward strike action. “We may have no choice but to take action to compel the government to address our demands,” he warned. He noted that the situation could lead to a crisis in the educational sector if left unaddressed.

Furthermore, ASUU rejected the government’s proposed loan scheme for tertiary institutions. Christopher Piwuna described this scheme as a trap. “Our members do not need loans; we need the implementation of agreements that will enhance our purchasing power,” he insisted. He pointed out that the government still owes three months’ salaries while asking staff to borrow money.

ASUU also criticized the rapid increase in universities without adequate funding. This trend has lowered academic standards and affected global rankings. The union expressed concern over pensions, stating that professors who dedicated over 40 years to education now receive as little as ₦150,000 monthly, despite rising living costs.

The union plans to await the outcome of a government meeting scheduled for August 28 before deciding on its next steps. However, ASUU announced that members would hold rallies on campuses next week to voice their frustrations. He warned, “Time is running out. We cannot wait endlessly while our universities suffer.”

With this latest announcement, fears mount that another ASUU strike may disrupt Nigeria’s already fragile education system.