ASUU Raises Alarm Over Government’s Slow Response to Negotiations
The National Executive Council (NEC) of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has expressed significant concerns regarding the Federal Government’s inconsistent strategies in ongoing discussions, cautioning that persistent inaction might lead to “grave consequences” for Nigeria’s education system.
The NEC convened a meeting on 8–9 November 2025 at Taraba State University, Jalingo, to evaluate the progress in negotiations with the government’s team. The union voiced dissatisfaction with the slow progress and apparent lack of dedication in the renegotiation efforts.
In a statement from ASUU President Prof. Chris Piwuna, the union reminded that it suspended its previous warning strike on 21 October 2025 as a show of goodwill, even in light of the government’s “grossly inadequate” proposals. This suspension was intended to demonstrate respect for students, parents, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the media, and other stakeholders who had intervened during the strike.
ASUU indicated that the suspension was granted with the expectation that the government would utilize the one-month period to resolve all pending issues. However, the union regretted that the progress thus far had been underwhelming.
“It is now incumbent upon the government to use this opportunity to address the issues with urgency and keep our children in school,” the statement emphasized.
The NEC criticized the government for regarding education more as a commercial enterprise rather than a fundamental social good essential for sustainable national progress. The union also dismissed the proposed salary increase offered by the government, labeling it “a mere drop in the ocean” that would not mitigate the ongoing brain drain within the university system. While acknowledging some limited advancements on non-monetary issues, ASUU maintained that salary and working conditions are the most pressing challenges.
The union also denounced the misrepresentations by certain government officials concerning negotiation results, warning that partial measures like the incomplete payment of promotion arrears or the release of third-party deductions should not be mischaracterized as substantial accomplishments.
“The government’s objective must be to resolve issues, not to manipulate the narrative,” ASUU stated, encouraging the Federal Government to utilize the remaining time in the one-month negotiation period to achieve a comprehensive agreement that enhances the welfare of Nigerian educators.
In a broader context, ASUU highlighted that despite increasing government revenue, the conditions of academic staff and university infrastructure remain unchanged. Referencing data from the Federation Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC), the union pointed out that allocations to state governments rose from ₦3.92 trillion in 2022 to ₦5.81 trillion in 2024, a 62% increase, while federal allocations increased from ₦3.42 trillion to ₦4.65 trillion, a 70% rise.
“Obviously, the issue is not economic but political—a lack of determination to prioritize education,” the union remarked. It reiterated its appeal to traditional leaders, labor unions, students, civil society, and other concerned Nigerians to persist in urging the government to ensure that university lecturers receive a living wage.
In conclusion, ASUU reaffirmed that investing in education is the most effective means of securing Nigeria’s future.
