By Joan Nwagwu
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has warned that it may soon call out its members for nationwide industrial action if the listed Federal Government failed to address nine critical issues still unresolved in the 2009 FG/ASUU agreement, including the stalled renegotiation process since 2017.
Chris Piwuna, the new President of ASUU gave the warning at a press conference in Abuja on Friday.
Piwuna listed withheld salaries from the 2022 strike and unpaid entitlements linked to the contentious Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS) as some of the issues that may lead to nationwide industrial strike.
He also criticised the delayed release of revitalisation funds and earned academic allowances due to government inaction.
He said said promises to inject ₦150 billion into universities and adjust irregular allowances by 2026 have remained unfulfilled.
Piwuna also highlighted the marginalisation of ASUU members at state institutions such as Kogi State University and Lagos State University.
According to him, victimisation, salary denial, and job insecurity persist in those universities, undermining staff morale.
On university autonomy, he said political interference has compromised the selection of leaders, citing Nnamdi Azikiwe and Abuja universities as examples.
Piwuna warned that universities are becoming battlegrounds for political and economic interests, which he described as unacceptable.
He called for a national rebirth through education, saying it is vital for Nigeria’s transformation and prosperity.
He stressed the importance of the government fulfilling its promises and addressing the worsening conditions in Nigerian universities.
To address the crisis, he proposed a national education summit focusing on funding, autonomy, and academic welfare.
“Education empowers citizens, drives innovation, and instils values. Without it, development is impossible,” Piwuna said.
He reaffirmed ASUU’s commitment to reforming Nigerian universities and urged patriotic Nigerians and global allies to support their struggle.
“Our universities should be centres for solutions to national challenges.
“We are open to dialogue but will not tolerate further erosion of our rights,” Piwuna said.
NAN)
