ASUU Rejects Government Offer, Calls for Real Investment in Education as Strike Fears Rise

Union Urges Federal Government to Prioritise the Education Sector

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has restated its commitment to defending the future of Nigeria’s public universities, insisting that it will not relent in its efforts despite mounting challenges. The Union urged the Federal Government to place genuine priority on education, describing it as the foundation for national growth and long-term economic stability.

Speaking at a press conference held by the Bauchi Zone of the Union, the Zonal Coordinator, Professor Timothy Namo, criticised the Federal Government for failing to act swiftly on issues that have lingered for years. He warned that continued delay may trigger another round of disruptions across public universities.

Professor Namo reminded journalists that the Union had earlier briefed the public on 28 August 2025 at Sa’adu Zungur University, Gadau, following a directive from its National Executive Council (NEC). At the time, ASUU cautioned that industrial action would be unavoidable if the government did not fast-track resolutions on contentious matters affecting the university system.

According to him, the inaction of government officials made it necessary for ASUU to declare a two-week warning strike on 13 October 2025. An emergency NEC meeting held on 21 October reviewed the situation and acknowledged the overwhelming support the strike received from students, the media, the Nigeria Labour Congress and the National Assembly. Despite this support, he noted that most of the core issues remained unresolved.

NEC subsequently suspended the strike, granting the Federal Government a one-month window to conclude renegotiations. However, with the deadline only days away, the Union says there has been no meaningful progress.

At the NEC meeting hosted by Taraba State University, Jalingo, from 8 to 9 November 2025, the Union rejected the proposed salary adjustment, describing it as too insignificant to address the escalating brain drain across universities. Professor Namo explained that while some non-monetary elements of the renegotiated agreement showed improvement, the vital components relating to salaries and conditions of service remained unattended.

He further alleged that certain government officials were undermining the integrity of the renegotiation process by presenting misleading information about the government’s offers. Such actions, he said, weaken trust and complicate efforts to reach a sustainable agreement that would stabilise the university system.

ASUU also condemned the partial payment of promotion arrears dating back to 2017 and the delayed release of outstanding third-party deductions. The Union argued that these gestures were insufficient and did not reflect genuine commitment to resolving long-standing welfare issues affecting university lecturers.

Referencing Federal Accounts Allocation Committee records showing improved revenue between 2022 and 2024, ASUU maintained that the challenge was not insufficient funding but misplaced priorities. The Union stressed that proper investment in education remains the most dependable strategy for improving national productivity and securing opportunities for the next generation.

ASUU called on traditional rulers, civil society organisations, students, the Nigeria Labour Congress and the National Assembly to mount pressure on the Federal Government to act decisively and prevent another disruption in the academic calendar.