Hope for education sector as ASUU, FG resolve key issues in new agreement

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has given an update on its ongoing renegotiation of the 2009 agreement with the Federal Government.

The update, signed by ASUU President Christopher Piwuna, explained the progress made in areas such as university funding, autonomy, staff welfare and salaries.

ASUU and the government agreed that Nigerian universities must operate with full autonomy. This means all existing university laws guiding the Senate, Governing Councils and internal processes must be followed.

Any government circular that contradicts these laws will no longer be used. Both sides also agreed that vice-chancellors should be chosen purely on merit, not based on where they come from. Members of governing councils must be people of integrity who understand how universities work.

Academic departments will elect their own heads, while deans, sub-deans and provosts will also be chosen internally.

Recruitment of staff and students is expected to promote both national and international diversity.

A new budgeting system was approved to ensure universities get funding that covers their major operational and capital needs.

The government also promised to strengthen research by ensuring universities benefit from the National Research Council and by encouraging companies to sponsor research and development.

University lands will be protected, and new taxes may be introduced to ensure steady funding for education.

ASUU noted that statutory university bodies such as the Senate and Congregation will continue to function according to law.

Pre-degree programmes will now focus mainly on science and courses that do not attract many students. Universities must also respect the right of students to gather peacefully.

The previously criticized pyramidal promotion structure for academic staff has been removed, meaning promotions will be based on research and performance rather than available vacancies.

Universities will also be allowed to import books, laboratory equipment, journals, teaching materials and renewable energy tools without paying import duties.

To ensure smooth implementation of the agreement, a monitoring unit will be created in the National Universities Commission.

An implementation committee will also be set up, laws will be amended where necessary and required funds will be released.

The whole agreement will be reviewed every three years. Salaries of academic staff will automatically be adjusted whenever public sector salaries are increased.

During the negotiation, ASUU rejected the government’s initial salary proposals, saying they were too low. A revised structure similar to the Nimi Briggs Committee recommendation was later presented.

Though slightly higher for some academic levels and lower for others, ASUU agreed to accept it to prevent further delay.

Both parties also agreed that earned academic allowances will be paid yearly at 12 percent of each university’s approved wage bill for academic staff, and this will be included in annual government budgets.

ASUU also secured a clause ensuring that no one involved in the negotiation will be victimised.