ASUU Strike: Lasting Solutions Nigerian Students Need
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has issued a warning about a potential nationwide strike. This isn’t the first instance of the union being in conflict with the Federal Government over ongoing issues related to improved welfare packages. In its latest action, the union plans to initiate an industrial strike if the government continues to neglect the longstanding agreements regarding the revitalization and proper funding of Nigeria’s public universities.
ASUU President, Christopher Piwuna, mentioned that lecturers have faced over two years of broken promises and stalling tactics by the government. Piwuna highlighted unresolved matters, including the renegotiation of the 2009 ASUU-FGN agreement, salary arrears, withheld promotions, and the welfare of retired lecturers.
During a press conference, which preceded the nationwide rally held last week, he remarked: “The general public should be aware that ASUU has sent multiple letters to the Federal Government, urging for an amicable resolution to this crisis. Unfortunately, the Federal Government has consistently ignored all our appeals.
“It is, as always, the FGN that has continually forced our union into strike actions, and ASUU may have no choice but to take action to compel the FGN to heed our demands and take appropriate steps.
“The government made commitments regarding these concerns. Sadly, we are here today to convey to the Nigerian public, through you, that these undeniable issues could precipitate a crisis in our education sector, along with other repercussions, as we have been met with the same indifferent response.”
The union dismissed the rise in universities that lack sustainable funding, cautioning that such initiatives have diminished standards and global rankings.
Regarding pensions, the union pointed out that professors with over 40 years of service are now receiving as little as N150,000 a month, despite increasing inflation and living expenses.
During the peaceful demonstrations on campuses last week, academics were united in their call for enhanced welfare and better funding for the education sector.
The Chairman of the ASUU, University of Lagos Chapter, Prof. Idowu Kehinde, emphasized that the union has attempted various methods and strategies to resolve the ongoing conflict in the educational sector, but the Federal Government has not been responsive.
“Consistently, it is the Federal Government that has compelled our union to strike, and ASUU may have no other recourse but to pursue actions to urge the government to acknowledge our demands and act accordingly.
“To clarify further, these issues encompass the renegotiation of the 2009 ASUU-FGN Agreement, sustainable funding for our universities, revitalization of these institutions, mistreatment of our colleges at LASU, KSU (now Prince Abubakar Audu University), and FUTO (Federal University of Technology, Owerri), as well as outstanding salary and promotion arrears spanning 25-35 percent for over four years,” he stated.
ASUU Chairman at Lagos State University of Education (LASUED), Comr. Akolade Lapite highlighted the importance of the Federal Government taking measures to prevent the impending crisis in universities.
“After spending numerous months and years negotiating, some individuals have passed away, some were assimilated into the system, and some have died again. Therefore, nothing is hindering the government from taking the necessary actions,” he added.
At UNIJOS, where ASUU President Piwuna is an educator, members accused the government of being the cause of the ongoing dispute.
Branch Chairman Jurbe Molwus stated that the protest was conducted to raise awareness among all critical stakeholders concerning the Federal Government’s ongoing failure to adequately address its demands.
“ASUU is concerned that it may no longer be able to maintain the industrial peace that has been enjoyed for over two years, of which the government is certainly proud.
“We would like to officially point out that this has come at the cost of the welfare and well-being of our resilient members who have faced continuous denial of their rightful entitlements,” he remarked.
The Congress of University Academics (CONUA) suggested several key strategies to end the recurring strikes, including: welfare without disruption, a sustainable funding mechanism, an institutionalized collective bargaining council, legal and policy protections, and an annual summit for education stakeholders.
Mr. Niyi Sunmonu, the national president of CONUA, proposed that rather than meeting every three years or so to assess remuneration, the Federal Government should implement wage indexation linked to inflation and cost-of-living metrics. He further recommended that the government should establish a reliable and predictable schedule for the disbursement of promotion arrears and earned allowances, along with housing, health, and research support for academics to ensure effective functioning and expansion.
Sunmonu suggested that the government should consolidate all educational funding sources into a “Higher Education Financing Framework” to guarantee reliable and transparent allocations.
“The education budget should also be protected in a way that discourages arbitrary cuts to ensure consistent and progressive investment,” he advised.
Regarding the Institutionalized Collective Bargaining Council, the CONUA leader urged the Federal Government to create a permanent Education Sector Collective Bargaining Council that includes representatives from the Federal Government, all registered unions, and other relevant stakeholders. He emphasized that this council would guarantee that agreements are time-bound, legally binding, and periodically reviewed.
“The council could serve as an ‘Education Mediation Panel’ to resolve disputes promptly through mediation, arbitration, public reporting, and ultimately as a last resort,” he suggested.
On Legal and Policy Protections: Once agreements are established, the Federal Government should ensure they are formally recorded for legal validity. The National Assembly could also oversee compliance and implementation,” he noted.
Sunmonu reiterated that education is too vital and comprehensive to be managed solely by the government and staff. He advocated for an annual summit involving stakeholders, including students, parents, registered unions, heads of institutions, and the private sector, to be held with the Federal Government to assess progress and reinforce commitments.
According to Prof. Adesola Nassir, the Lagos Zonal Coordinator of ASUU, funding for universities encompasses more than just salary payments; it includes all necessary expenditures such as conferences, student welfare, and staff welfare, among others.
Nassir pointed out that the key issue is the government’s failure to provide sufficient funding. He also noted that inadequate funding in these areas would inevitably lead to a crisis of short funding affecting staff, students, management, and others.
The ASUU Zonal Coordinator stressed that the critical question is whether the government truly intends to adopt all the proposed solutions to ensure that strikes do not occur.
He urged the government to be transparent about its shortcomings “so that people can understand the limitations they have and what steps can be taken next.
“The fundamental question is whether the government is genuinely interested in achieving a permanent solution. Is it convenient for them? Does it align with their planned policies? These are the matters at hand. What ASUU has been emphasizing is to adequately fund the universities,” Nassir remarked.
The Education Minister, Dr. Tunji Alausa, who met with representatives from the government at the review panel, emphasized that the government would honor its commitments to ASUU. He stated that the meeting examined ASUU’s proposals thoroughly, with plans for refinement by the committee’s technical team.
The minister mentioned that the team would provide a “clean report” to be sent to the Yayale Ahmed-led Committee tasked with renegotiating the 2009 ASUU/FG Agreement.
“Our goal is to establish an agreement where each element is both actionable and realistic. Nigerians can trust that this government will maintain open schools and keep our children learning,” he assured.
He asserted that, contrary to previous instances, the Ministry of Justice would play an integral role in the process to guarantee that the agreements adhere to constitutional regulations.
The minister expressed confidence that ASUU’s recent demonstrations would not escalate into a strike since the government has been engaging with the union “consistently and thoroughly.”
He stated, “We are dedicated to resolving this issue once and for all. The enduring concerns stemming from the 2009 and 2021 agreements will now be approached sustainably.
“The President has made it clear that every promise given to ASUU and the Nigerian public will be honored with integrity.”
He reiterated the government’s determination to address the union’s concerns, noting that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had tasked the ministry with finding a lasting resolution to the ongoing crisis.
He indicated that the administration seeks to avoid “unrealistic or unsustainable agreements,” focusing instead on reaching a constitutional and feasible consensus.
With this new initiative, the union is expected to put aside its disputes and return to negotiations.
For the benefit of students, stakeholders are urging that all contentious matters leading to potential conflicts between the union and the federal government be resolved permanently to ensure a peaceful and stable academic schedule in universities.
The Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the National Parent Teacher Association of Nigeria (NAPTAN), Chief Adeolu Ogunbanjo, called on the Federal Government to approve only what it can realistically deliver, suggesting that if certain aspects of the 2009 agreement are unattainable, the government should communicate this to the union. He expressed parents’ frustration over ongoing strike threats related to financial and welfare issues.
Ogunbanjo remarked, “We are weary of ASUU strikes demanding more funding. ASUU should consider the well-being of our children. The government ought to clarify its capabilities. Strikes lead to significant disruptions, resulting in children engaging in undesirable behaviors. We urge ASUU to negotiate with the government more productively. The government should only commit to what it can actually provide for the sake of our children.
“Both the government and ASUU share responsibility for education. If there are certain elements of the 2009 agreement that the government cannot fulfill, it should communicate this to the union.
“The 2009 agreement was established by former President Goodluck Jonathan, but it appears that the current budget lacks the necessary capacity to meet all the demands.”
The National Public Relations Officer of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Comrade Samson Ajasa Adeyemi, called for honesty from both parties regarding educational matters.
In a conversation with The Nation, he stated, “The government needs to be more truthful in educational issues. Similarly, ASUU must also exhibit greater sincerity. Regarding the 2009 agreement and related matters, it is time for both sides to collaborate and establish a clear and straightforward path forward.”
“Thank goodness for the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, who is currently in office. He is someone open-minded and easy to approach, and we believe he can forge a positive path ahead. Thus, I think they must revisit all existing agreements. They ought to form a committee or hold a meeting with stakeholders so that everyone can contribute.”
A student at Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto (UDUS), Wonderful Adegoke, shared: “The ASUU strikes often serve as unexpected opportunities for students. To make the most of these periods, I typically acquire additional skills. During the previous ASUU strike that lasted eight months, I learned soap-making, photography, and social media management. Luckily, these skills ended up being beneficial for me on campus.”
“However, the government should demonstrate its dedication to education by reaching a conclusive agreement with ASUU to reduce the rise in crime rates observed during such times.”
“Most importantly, our government should think about increasing its yearly budget for education and work towards enhancing the educational standards in Nigeria.”
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