The President of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Professor Chris Piwuna, has urged university lecturers across Nigeria to resume teaching, research, and community service following the signing of a landmark agreement with the Federal Government.
In an interview with Arise News on Wednesday, Professor Piwuna described the 2026 pact as a historic milestone for Nigerian universities, replacing the long-standing 2009 agreement that had sparked recurring industrial actions.
He said the new deal represented the culmination of 16 years of negotiations, noting that both the government and the union had contributed to the breakthrough.
“This is a great achievement for all involved. We have arrived at this point through persistence and dialogue.
”It is a moment to celebrate and a call to action for our members to return to their duties fully, ” he said.
Piwuna clarified that the agreement applied exclusively to ASUU members, stressing ongoing challenges with other academic unions.
He appealed to members of groups such as CONWA and NAMDA to rejoin ASUU, so they can collectively benefit from the agreement.
“If they choose not to return, this agreement does not cover them,” he warned.
The ASUU president also reiterated concerns about government interference in university affairs, particularly through the Ministry of Education and governing councils.
He expressed the union’s commitment to safeguarding institutional autonomy, noting that acting vice chancellors and council appointments had previously undermined independence.
Several unresolved issues remain, including the dismissal of staff at Lagos State University, Kogi State University, and the Federal University of Technology (FUTO).
Piwuna said these matters were now part of the agreement and that the government had pledged to follow up.
“About 108 members from Kogi State University and some from Lagos State University are still affected. We expect these issues to be resolved promptly,” he added.
Piwuna emphasised that the success of the agreement hinges on lecturers’ commitment to their professional responsibilities.
“Our responsibility now is to go back to work, conduct research, teach, and serve our communities. Let us commit to making this country great again through our research output,” he said.
Reflecting on the significance of the day the agreement was signed, Piwuna described it as a historic moment long awaited by the nation’s university system.
“The day has finally come,” he said, expressing optimism that the pact will usher in a new era for tertiary education in Nigeria.
