In a statement signed by its National President, Prof. Chris Piwuna, the union said government inaction on long-standing demands has left lecturers demoralised and overburdened, despite recent assurances from the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, that strikes would be a thing of the past.
ASUU acknowledged the minister’s emphasis on dialogue and good relations with unions but stressed that words must be matched with tangible results. The union highlighted that lecturers are working under harsh conditions — with poor pay, inadequate research facilities, and mounting personal expenses — while still being blamed for producing “unemployable graduates” and failing to drive innovative research.
The statement criticised successive governments for undermining collective bargaining agreements, particularly the 2009 FGN-ASUU Agreement, whose renegotiation has stalled despite a draft submission since December 2024. The union accused government officials of selective implementation of agreements, token gestures, and disregard for university autonomy.
ASUU also expressed concern over political interference in the appointment of vice chancellors, citing controversial promotions and appointments in both federal and state universities.
Calling on “genuine patriots” to intervene, ASUU urged the Federal and State Governments to address unresolved labour issues, warning that failure to act would plunge the university system into another prolonged industrial crisis.
