The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has raised fresh concerns over what it described as the “distorted and uncoordinated” implementation of its December 2025 agreement with the Federal Government, warning that mounting frustration among lecturers could trigger another round of industrial crisis in the nation’s universities.
The union, in a communiqué issued at the end of its National Executive Council meeting held at Modibbo Adama University, accused both federal and state authorities of failing to honour key components of the agreement, barely months after its public unveiling in January 2026.
ASUU President, Christopher Piwuna, said the initial optimism that greeted the agreement was “fast waning,” citing the Federal Government’s failure to inaugurate the Implementation Monitoring Committee as a major setback.
According to him, the absence of the committee has led to a fragmented execution of provisions, with some university administrators allegedly “picking and choosing” which allowances to pay, contrary to the agreed framework.
The union also faulted the slow adoption of the agreement by state governments, accusing some governors of turning their backs on commitments jointly negotiated with university representatives.
… Welfare Disputes Linger
ASUU expressed anger over unresolved welfare issues, including arrears of salary increments, promotion benefits, unpaid allowances, and the withheld three-and-a-half months’ salaries linked to the 2022 strike.
The union argued that the continued application of the “no work, no pay” policy undermines the nature of academic work, insisting that research and community service continued during the strike period.
It further decried delays in pension payments to retired lecturers, particularly in state universities, and accused the National Pension Commission of stalling benefit harmonisation.
ASUU called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to urgently intervene to prevent what it described as a looming breakdown of industrial harmony.
…Dispute Over Research Funding Framework
The union also criticised the Federal Government’s plan to establish a research fund outside the framework of the 2025 agreement, saying it was excluded from the process.
It faulted the announcement by the Minister of Education, Maruf Tunji Alausa, of a proposed $500m National Research and Innovation Development Fund, arguing that it contradicts the agreement’s provision for funding research with at least one per cent of Nigeria’s GDP.
ASUU questioned the decision to denominate the proposed fund in dollars, raising concerns over possible external borrowing and undue foreign influence.
…Opposition To Education Policies
The union rejected several recent policy directions by the government, including the reversal of the mother-tongue policy in early education, describing it as “retrogressive” and unsupported by research.
It also kicked against plans to establish a campus of Coventry University in Nigeria under a transnational education framework, warning that the move could undermine local universities and deepen educational inequality.
Similarly, ASUU opposed the compulsory enrolment of academics in the Nigeria Education Repository Databank, citing concerns over data privacy and lack of stakeholder consultation.
The union further dismissed proposals to scrap certain university courses deemed “irrelevant,” insisting that disciplines in the humanities and social sciences remain critical to national development.
Allegations Of Maladministration
ASUU raised concerns over what it described as growing irregularities in university administration, including questionable appointments, financial mismanagement, and the introduction of unrecognised academic positions such as “Professor of Practice.”
It warned that such practices threaten the credibility and integrity of the university system.
FUT Minna Land Dispute
The union also condemned attempts by the Niger State Government to reclaim the Bosso campus of the Federal University of Technology Minna, describing the move as dangerous and capable of setting a negative precedent for federal-state collaboration in education.
…State Of The Nation
Beyond education, ASUU painted a grim picture of Nigeria’s socio-economic conditions, citing rising poverty, insecurity, and political tension ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The union warned that worsening economic hardship, unemployment, and insecurity across regions could further destabilise the country if urgent measures are not taken.
Strike Threat Looms
ASUU said the growing dissatisfaction among its members could culminate in fresh industrial action if the government fails to address outstanding issues.
It disclosed that an emergency NEC meeting would be convened in the coming weeks to reassess the situation and determine the next line of action.
“The increasing frustration occasioned by government’s seeming disinterest in the welfare of academics is brewing a pent-up anger which could erupt,” the union warned.
ASUU, however, said it remains open to dialogue, urging Nigerians to prevail on the government to fully implement the agreement in the interest of students and the nation’s education sector.
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