Adequate Funding Key to Ending Strikes — ASUU

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has called on the Federal Government to notably boost funding for public universities, highlighting that adequate investment in education is the only lasting remedy to cease frequent strikes and enhance Nigeria’s position in global university rankings.

During a session with the Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFund at the National Assembly on Friday, ASUU cautioned that the ongoing difficulties in higher education would continue without steady and sufficient funding.

ASUU President Chris Piwuna, speaking on behalf of the union, noted that the current two-week warning strike stems from unresolved issues dating back to 2011.

“We have engaged with the federal government for eight years with little to show for it.

“The Yayale Ahmed Committee report, submitted in December 2024, was disregarded until the start of this industrial action,” Piwuna stated.

He emphasised that ASUU’s primary demands, such as sustainable funding, better working conditions, revitalisation of public universities, and academic autonomy, still stand.

The union also urged the Senate committee to advocate for greater funding from the government.

“Challenge us. Urge the government to adequately fund universities, and you’ll witness an end to strikes and improvements in our universities’ global rankings,” ASUU’s president told the senators.

Regarding funding delays, Piwuna disclosed that although the National Assembly had approved ₦150 billion for universities, only ₦50 billion has been disbursed thus far.

Moreover, he pointed out that this amount is currently held up at the Ministry of Education, where the minister allegedly plans to allocate it among universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education, despite separate provisions for those institutions.

He warned that the ₦150 billion specifically designated for universities must be utilised for its intended purpose.

In addition, ASUU expressed concerns about alleged attempts by the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, to encroach upon a portion of the 10,000 hectares of land owned by the University of Abuja.

They stated, “We are alarmed because the University of Abuja is situated in the FCT. Those committed to higher education should focus on its development.

“If the minister seeks land, he should look elsewhere.

“The university has over 10,000 hectares of land. Despite multiple appeals, the FCT minister continues to show interest in obtaining part of it.

“We urge the Senate to step in and persuade the minister to leave the university’s land untouched.”

ASUU initiated a two-week warning strike commencing on October 13.

The lecturers have been in conflict with the government over their working conditions, the 2009 FGN-ASUU agreement, the release of withheld salaries, and the sustainable funding for the revitalisation of public universities.

However, the government claimed to have addressed all demands made by ASUU and expressed willingness for further negotiations to prevent the strike.

In response to the strike, the federal government implemented a no-work, no-pay policy on the striking union members.