The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), University of Jos branch, has raised alarm over a possible nationwide industrial action, accusing the Federal Government of failing to fully implement the 2025 agreement reached with the union.
The warning was issued during a press conference held on Monday at the union’s secretariat at the University of Jos.
ASUU leaders said growing frustration among lecturers across public universities could destabilise the already fragile peace within the tertiary education system if urgent measures are not taken.
The union explained that its National Executive Council (NEC), during a meeting held at Modibbo Adama University on May 9 and 10, reviewed the level of implementation of the December 23, 2025 agreement signed with the Federal Government.
According to the union, the council expressed dissatisfaction with what it described as poor compliance by government authorities, warning that the delay could trigger another round of strikes in public universities nationwide.
ASUU accused the Federal Government of failing to inaugurate the Implementation Monitoring Committee (IMC), which was expected to supervise and ensure smooth execution of the agreement.
The union said the absence of the committee had created room for what it termed “selective and distorted implementation” of key salary-related components of the agreement.
These include the Consolidated Academic and Tool Allowance (CATA), Earned Academic Allowance (EAA), Professorial Allowance, and other responsibility allowances owed to lecturers.
Despite its criticism, ASUU commended Sa’adu Zungur University and Ekiti State University for partially implementing aspects of the agreement.
The union urged other universities and government agencies to take immediate action to prevent a nationwide breakdown of industrial harmony within the education sector.
ASUU also faulted the Federal Government’s establishment of the National Research and Innovation Development Fund (NRIDF), recently announced by the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa.
The union criticised the initiative for allegedly being introduced without consultation with ASUU, questioning its proposed dollar-based funding structure.
According to the lecturers, the arrangement could expose Nigeria’s university system to external influence and what it described as “neo-liberal control mechanisms.”
The union insisted that research funding provisions already contained in the 2025 agreement should be fully implemented instead of introducing parallel arrangements.
ASUU further highlighted unresolved welfare issues affecting lecturers, including unpaid arrears from the 25 and 35 per cent wage award, promotion arrears, withheld salaries from the 2022 strike period, salary shortfalls linked to the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS), and unremitted third-party deductions.
The union maintained that the “no work, no pay” policy used during the 2022 strike was unfair, arguing that lecturers remained engaged in research, supervision, and community service activities during the industrial action.
Concerns were also raised over the welfare of retired academics, particularly those in state-owned universities.
ASUU said many retired lecturers continue to face pension arrears and delays in pension harmonisation by the National Pension Commission.
The union appealed to President Bola Tinubu to intervene and address the difficulties faced by affected retirees.
Beyond welfare matters, ASUU criticised recent education policy decisions by the Federal Government, including the reversal of the mother-tongue policy for early childhood education and the proposed transnational education partnership involving Coventry University.
The union described the arrangement as a “neo-colonial academic model” capable of undermining Nigeria’s educational independence.
ASUU also rejected proposals to scrap certain university courses, insisting that every academic discipline plays an important role in national development.
The lecturers equally opposed the proposed introduction of titles such as “Professor of Practice” and “Diaspora Professor,” warning that such policies could weaken university autonomy.
The union further expressed concern over worsening economic hardship, insecurity, and rising political tension ahead of the 2027 general elections.
According to ASUU, increasing poverty, unemployment, and insecurity are deepening frustration among Nigerians and worsening living conditions across the country.
“Government insensitivity to these issues is brewing pent-up anger that may erupt if not properly managed,” the union warned.
The press conference ended with a strong appeal to the Federal Government and relevant stakeholders to urgently implement the 2025 agreement in full to maintain stability in Nigeria’s public university system.
