Editorial: Honour agreements, save Nigeria’s universities

The renewed threat of industrial action by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) should concern every Nigerian. The warning issued by the union’s Sokoto Zone over the alleged failure of the governments of Kebbi, Katsina and Zamfara states to implement agreements reached with ASUU, alongside the threat of strikes in three Lagos-based universities over similar concerns, is another reminder that Nigeria’s public university system remains trapped in a damaging cycle of disputes.

At the heart of this recurring crisis is a simple principle, which is that agreements entered into freely must be honoured. Whether the agreement is between the Federal Government and ASUU or between state governments and university workers, it represents a commitment that should not be discarded because of changing political circumstances or administrative convenience.

Governments must uphold the sanctity of agreements. When commitments are repeatedly ignored or delayed, confidence is eroded. The immediate consequence is industrial unrest, but the long-term damage is much deeper. Trust between government and university workers diminishes and this could make future negotiations increasingly difficult.

This editorial is not an endorsement of strikes as the preferred means of resolving disputes. Rather, it is a recognition that prolonged failure to implement negotiated agreements leaves workers feeling that dialogue has become ineffective. At the same time, industrial action imposes enormous costs on students, parents, lecturers and the wider society.

Every strike disrupts the academic calendar. Students who should graduate within four or five years often spend far longer completing their degrees. Such uncertainty affects career planning, delays entry into the labour market and places additional financial burdens on families already struggling with economic hardship.

The consequences extend beyond delayed graduation. Frequent disruptions weaken academic standards by interrupting research projects, laboratory work, field studies and postgraduate supervision. International collaborations become difficult to sustain, while foreign institutions become reluctant to establish long-term partnerships with universities whose academic calendars are unpredictable.

Repeated strikes also contribute to the loss of talented academics. Many lecturers seek opportunities abroad or in other sectors where employment conditions are more stable. The resulting brain drain deprives universities of experienced scholars whose knowledge and mentorship are essential for developing future generations of professionals.

Nigeria cannot build a competitive economy while neglecting its universities. Higher education remains central to innovation, scientific research, technological advancement, healthcare, agriculture and national development. Every disruption to university activities slows the country’s progress.

The responsibility for resolving these disputes rests primarily with governments. Negotiations should never be treated as temporary measures designed only to suspend industrial action. Agreements must be backed by realistic implementation plans, adequate funding and clear timelines. Where unforeseen financial constraints arise, governments should engage openly with ASUU rather than allowing silence and inaction to fuel mistrust.

ASUU, on its part, should continue to exhaust dialogue and other dispute resolution mechanisms before resorting to strikes. While the union has a legitimate responsibility to defend the welfare of its members and the quality of university education, students should not become perpetual casualties of unresolved disagreements.

There is also a role for governing councils, university managements and relevant oversight institutions. They should ensure continuous engagement between governments and unions, identify emerging areas of disagreement early and promote solutions before disputes escalate into nationwide or state-wide shutdowns.

Nigeria’s universities deserve stability. Students deserve uninterrupted learning. Lecturers deserve fair treatment and respect for negotiated commitments. The nation deserves institutions capable of producing graduates who can compete globally.

The recurring pattern of agreements followed by delayed implementation, threats of strikes and prolonged closures benefits no one. It undermines confidence in public institutions and weakens one of the country’s most important sectors.

The lesson is unmistakable. Governments must honour agreements in good faith, while all stakeholders should prioritise dialogue over confrontation. Only by restoring trust and respecting commitments can Nigeria finally break the destructive cycle that has held its university system back for decades.