The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has threatened to embark on a nationwide industrial action if the Federal Government fails to honour the 2009 FG/ASUU agreement.
ASUU President, Chris Piwuna, issued this warning during a news conference in Abuja on Friday.
Piwuna stressed the importance of the government fulfilling its promises and addressing the worsening conditions in Nigerian universities.
According to him, 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).
The ASUU president also criticised the delayed release of revitalisation funds and earned academic allowances due to government inaction.
Despite promises to inject N150 billion into universities and adjust irregular allowances by 2026, Piwuna said these commitments remain unfulfilled.
Piwuna 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, Piwuna said political interference had compromised the selection of leaders, citing Nnamdi Azikiwe and Abuja universities as examples.
He warned that universities were becoming battlegrounds for political and economic interests, which he described as unacceptable.
Piwuna called for a national rebirth through education, saying it was 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.
