The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has expressed deep frustration over the prolonged impasse in its negotiations with the Federal Government regarding crucial matters affecting the Nigerian university system and the welfare of academic staff.
Speaking in an interview with PUNCH Online on Sunday, the President of ASUU, Professor Chris Piwuna, lamented the Federal Government’s persistent failure to implement tangible actions, despite years of discussions and repeated assurances. According to him, the union’s patience has worn thin.
“We are tired of mere words and endless promises,” Professor Piwuna declared. “It has been seven years since we began this renegotiation process. We have reached a critical breaking point where something must give. We either reach an agreement or we don’t. Our members are no longer moved by rhetoric—they can only respond to concrete actions.”
ASUU’s demands, as articulated by its leadership, are rooted in the long-standing 2009 agreement with the Federal Government.
This agreement outlines key areas of concern, including the conditions of service for university lecturers, institutional autonomy, academic freedom, sustainable funding, and the payment of earned academic allowances.
Professor Piwuna reiterated that resolving these issues is vital to the health of Nigeria’s higher education system. He stressed that many of the problems plaguing public universities—ranging from infrastructural rot and low staff morale to rising cultism and deteriorating academic standards—can only be effectively addressed through adequate funding and improved compensation for academic staff.
“Infrastructural decay, the demoralisation of staff, the rise of cultism, and the overall decline in education quality are directly linked to underfunding and poor remuneration,” he said.
“Addressing these challenges begins with honouring existing agreements and providing the necessary support to academic personnel.”
He further highlighted the importance of inclusivity in salary adjustments, noting that excluding non-academic staff from reviews could threaten industrial harmony within the university ecosystem.
“Let me be clear: as salaries are reviewed, non-teaching staff must also be considered. Their inclusion will foster harmony and ensure greater stability across the system,” he stated.
Issuing a stern warning, Professor Piwuna said the Federal Government must brace itself for the potential fallout of its continued inaction. “In the days and weeks to come, the government should be prepared to face whatever consequences arise. We can no longer tolerate neglect,” he cautioned.
As the stalemate persists, uncertainty looms over the future of public university education in Nigeria. With the union growing increasingly dissatisfied and vocal, stakeholders are left wondering whether the government will finally act or risk another round of academic disruptions.