BY GODWIN OBI
Nigeria’s fragile education sector is once again on the brink of paralysis as the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has handed the Federal Government a 14-day ultimatum to meet its demands or face a nationwide strike that could shut down public universities indefinitely.
The fiery resolution was reached after the union’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting, held on Sunday at the University of Abuja, where leaders of the body accused the government of “chronic neglect” and a deliberate refusal to honour agreements dating as far back as 2009.
In a statement signed by its National President, Prof. Chris Piwuna, ASUU lamented that despite years of rallies, press engagements, and appeals, both the federal and state governments have treated the academic sector with disdain, leaving Nigerian universities underfunded, understaffed, and grossly neglected.
“What is clear for now is that both the Federal and State governments have a strong habit of paying little or no attention to the education sector in general, and the welfare of university academics in particular,” ASUU declared.
The union warned that if the Federal Government fails to act within the 14-day window, it would be left with no choice but to launch a two-week warning strike, followed immediately by a total and indefinite strike that could cripple academic activities nationwide.
ASUU’s List of Grievances
The union outlined a catalogue of unaddressed issues, including:
- Renegotiation of the 2009 ASUU–FGN Agreement.
- Sustainable funding and revitalisation of Nigerian universities.
- Alleged victimisation of ASUU members at LASU, Prince Abubakar Audu University (formerly KSU), and FUTO.
- Unpaid salary arrears of between 25% to 35%.
- Over four years of promotion arrears.
- Non-remittance of third-party deductions.
ASUU insisted that the Nigerian government has both the capacity and financial strength to resolve these issues permanently, but accused political leaders of lacking the will to prioritise education.
A Call to Action
The statement further urged parents, students, religious leaders, traditional rulers, and all education stakeholders to rise up and pressure the government into saving public universities from total collapse.
“The time to act is now,” ASUU warned, stressing that another strike would not only disrupt academic calendars but also further erode confidence in Nigeria’s already battered education system.
This latest showdown comes barely weeks after ASUU had issued a warning in August, accusing the government of playing delay tactics and reneging on promises to revitalise universities. With the 14-day countdown now ticking, the fate of millions of Nigerian students once again hangs in the balance.
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