ASUU has criticized the government for delaying the completion of its ongoing agreement renegotiation.
The union warns that the slow process could create serious setbacks for Nigeria’s university system.
The Academic Staff Union of Universities has criticized President Bola Tinubu’s administration for delaying the completion of its ongoing agreement renegotiation with the union.
ASUU made this known in a statement issued after its National Executive Council meeting held in Taraba State between November 8 and 9, 2025. The union warned that the slow handling of the talks could lead to serious problems for the country’s education system.
The statement, signed by ASUU president Chris Piwuna, explained that the union reviewed its discussions with the federal government’s negotiating team and was unhappy with what it described as poor commitment from the government.
ASUU reminded the public that it suspended its warning strike on October 21, 2025, even though the offers presented by the government at the time were far below expectations. It said the suspension was done in good faith, based on the belief that the government would use the one month window to conclude the renegotiation properly.
The union accused government officials of complicating the process. According to ASUU, some officials have been presenting the government’s offers in a misleading way and failing to fully carry out the agreements already discussed.
ASUU added that the recent partial payment of promotion arrears from 2017 and the release of long pending third party deductions were only small moves meant to restore trust. It stressed that these actions should not be portrayed as major steps in the negotiation.
The union further said the government’s method of implementing agreements does not reflect the real situation, which creates doubt about its sincerity and poses a risk to the entire negotiation. ASUU noted that the aim should be to fix the issues honestly rather than trying to control public opinion.
The union urged the federal government to make good use of the days left within the one month window to reach a complete and lasting solution to all outstanding matters, especially those that concern the welfare and working conditions of university lecturers.
ASUU also expressed worry that the government still treats education like a profit oriented activity instead of a public service that is necessary for national development. It said education should receive special attention because of the serious gaps in Nigeria’s infrastructure.
The union said it remains surprising that the condition of lecturers and the public education system has not improved in any meaningful way in recent years.
ASUU also rejected claims of economic difficulty, noting that the revenue of both state and federal governments has increased. It cited figures from the Federation Accounts Allocation Committee which showed that state revenue rose from N3.92 trillion in 2022 to N5.81 trillion in 2024, while federal revenue increased from N3.42 trillion to N4.65 trillion within the same period.
According to ASUU, the main issue is not lack of funds but lack of political will. The union said the revenue figures clearly show that the government has the capacity to address these problems if it chooses to.
ASUU finally called on traditional rulers, labour unions, students, and civil society groups to encourage the government to do the right thing and give lecturers a fair and decent wage.
