The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has rejected the Federal Government’s newly launched loan scheme for tertiary institution workers, insisting that what the sector urgently needs is the implementation of the 2009 ASUU-FG Agreement. The union has also called for the extension of the ban on the establishment of new universities to cover not only public but also private institutions.
The union’s president, Prof. Christopher Piwuna, made the position clear on Thursday during a press conference held at the University of Jos, Plateau State, where he warned of an impending nationwide strike if government fails to meet the union’s pressing demands.
ASUU Rejects Loan Scheme
Two weeks ago, the Federal Government launched the Tertiary Institutions Staff Support Fund, described by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, as a welfare and empowerment initiative designed to address the professional growth and well-being of academic and non-academic staff in Nigeria’s universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education.
But in his address, Prof. Piwuna dismissed the initiative as a “poisoned chalice”, urging members of ASUU to shun it.
“Our members do not lack where to find loans; indeed, they are already deep in debt from such loans,” he said. “What we need now is for government to sign our renegotiated agreement, which will improve our purchasing power and decrease our reliance on debts from cooperative societies.”
Demands for Implementation of 2009 Agreement
The ASUU president reiterated that the union’s primary demand remains the full implementation of the 2009 Agreement and the subsequent Yayale Ahmed Report submitted to government in February 2025.
The agreement covers critical issues such as:
- Improved conditions of service for academic staff
- Genuine university autonomy and academic freedom
- Adequate funding for Nigeria’s public universities
- A review of laws governing the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) and the National Universities Commission (NUC)
Piwuna accused the government of deliberately stalling the renegotiation process, warning that the patience of university lecturers is running out.
Warning of Strike Action
The union leader was unequivocal about the consequences of continued neglect by the Federal Government.
“Time is running out. We will no longer tolerate a situation where those who fought for the sustenance of the universities will be treated with such disdain,” he declared. “The union is prepared for all options, including a nationwide strike.”
He further criticised the government’s priorities, questioning why it would initiate a loan scheme when ASUU members are still being owed three and a half months’ salaries.
“Government should use the money set aside for the loans to defray our withheld salaries,” Piwuna stated.
Mobilisation of Members
To press home its demands, ASUU announced plans for a rally across campuses nationwide next week, which Prof. Piwuna described as the “first shot at the government.”
He urged well-meaning Nigerians to prevail on the authorities not to provoke the union into strike action, stressing the principle of Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) as the foundation for resolving industrial disputes.
Awaiting August 28 Meeting with FG
ASUU acknowledged the Federal Government’s plan to meet with the union on August 28, 2025, but warned that the outcome of that meeting would determine the union’s next line of action.
“The National Executive Committee (NEC) of ASUU will be decisive on the outcome of the meeting,” Piwuna said. “Trust has been destroyed by government. It is therefore up to them to regain it if they want to avert another strike.”
