By Mahdi Waziri Isa
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has issued a strong warning of an impending strike, citing the federal government’s failure to fulfill agreements and address critical issues in the education sector.
At a press conference in Abuja on Friday, ASUU President Prof. Chris Piwuna expressed frustration over the government’s inaction, particularly regarding the unresolved 2009 agreement. “We have exhausted our patience in waiting for this renegotiated agreement,” Piwuna declared, urging the Yayale Ahmed Committee to finalize negotiations.
The union accused the Tinubu administration of perpetuating institutional weaknesses and corruption, with Piwuna stating: “The ordinary citizens of our country have become the victims of prolonged political manipulations and economic exploitation by the ruling class and their foreign sponsors.”
Key unresolved grievances include, non-implementation of the 2021 Nimi Briggs Committee agreement; withheld salaries from the 2022 strike action; unpaid salaries of sabbatical and adjunct staff; non-release of N150 billion revitalization fund; and alleged diversion of TETFund resources to NELFUND
Piwuna criticized the government’s approach to education, saying: “The governments of Nigeria merely pay lip service to the business of education in general and the welfare of university academics in particular.”
While acknowledging some government commitments, including a promised N150 billion revitalization fund and budget allocations for earned allowances, Piwuna noted these promises remain unfulfilled. “Two years into the Tinubu administration, there has been no positive improvement as it relates to the education sector,” he stated.
The union leader also made controversial claims about security challenges, alleging the government benefits from ongoing insecurity. The warning comes as ASUU members grow increasingly impatient, having delayed strike action for nearly a year while awaiting government response to their demands.