ASUU to FG: Stop Policies Destroying Nigeria’s Future

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Nsukka Zone, has accused the Federal Government of intentionally jeopardizing the country’s future by neglecting to finalize the renegotiation of the 2009 ASUU/FGN agreement.

During a press conference at Benue State University in Makurdi, Comrade Christian Opata, a Zonal Coordinator of ASUU, characterized the government’s ongoing delays and lack of sincerity in resolving longstanding issues in the education sector as threats to national progress.

Representing eight universities in the zone—including the University of Nigeria, Nsukka; Benue State University, Makurdi; Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi; Enugu State University of Science and Technology; Kogi State University; Federal University, Lokoja; Federal University, Wukari; and Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo—Opata accused government representatives of merely paying lip service to education.

He stated that ASUU has participated in numerous discussions and signed agreements with the government for more than a decade, yet each attempt has been hampered by intentional delays and selective enforcement of agreed terms.

“The federal government is intentionally undermining the future of our nation through its superficial commitment to education. The slow progress and deliberate postponements in concluding the renegotiation pose severe risks to our society,” Opata stated.

The union added that its choice to suspend the recent warning strike was motivated by the goodwill expressed by Nigerians, students, parents, and labor organizations who called for dialogue.

Nonetheless, the union voiced its frustration that the government has yet to demonstrate genuine commitment since talks resumed.

Opata revealed that during the recent National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Taraba State, members dismissed the government’s proposed salary review, labeling it as “a mere drop in the ocean” and even lower than the offer that was rejected in 2022.

“It appears that either the government has misplaced its records or is intentionally dragging its feet,” he remarked, cautioning that failure to wrap up the renegotiation within the one-month window granted could result in another crisis within the university system.

The union also accused some government officials of misrepresenting facts related to the ongoing negotiations and characterizing the payment of arrears and withheld deductions as significant concessions.

ASUU insisted that only a substantial improvement in lecturers’ welfare and investment in public universities can stem the rising brain drain in the education sector.

Referencing revenue data from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC), Opata rejected claims of insufficient funds, pointing out that both federal and state revenues have increased notably between 2022 and 2024.

“It is not economic difficulties but a lack of political will that has impeded the renegotiation process,” he emphasized.

He called on traditional rulers, labor unions, students, and civil society organizations to exert pressure on the government to take appropriate action.

While expressing concern that lecturers’ salaries can no longer support basic needs, the union noted that a professor’s monthly income is insufficient to cover a return flight from Lagos to Abuja, and senior lecturers can barely afford to fund their research publications.

“Our take-home pay can no longer bring us home,” he remarked.

Consequently, the ASUU Nsukka Zone reiterated its demand for the federal government to fulfill its obligations, cautioning that the ongoing neglect of tertiary education signifies a deliberate attempt to destroy Nigeria’s future.