“University Crisis Brews: ASUU Threatens New Strike Action”

ASUU Threatens Nationwide Strike Over Unmet Demands, Rejects Loan Scheme

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has issued a stern warning to the Federal Government, threatening to embark on a nationwide strike if its longstanding demands are not addressed by August 28.

According to iReporter Online, ASUU is frustrated by what it describes as the Federal Government’s repeated delay tactics in renegotiating the 2009 ASUU-FGN agreement, as well as its failure to meet other critical obligations, including unpaid salary arrears and the revitalisation of public universities.

The union is also displeased with the recently launched Tertiary Institutions Staff Support Fund (TISSF) — a government-backed soft loan initiative for tertiary education workers — which ASUU has rejected, calling it a diversion from the actual issues plaguing the university system.

ASUU National President, Prof. Christopher Piwuna, speaking during a press briefing in Jos, said the union has exercised patience for over two years without seeing tangible progress.

He warned that the union may have no option but to resume industrial action if the government fails to take decisive steps following its August 28 meeting.

“Trust has been destroyed by government. It is, therefore, up to them to regain it to avert any strike,” Piwuna stated.

Loan Scheme ‘A Poisoned Chalice’ – ASUU

Addressing the soft loan policy initiated by the Ministry of Education through the Bank of Industry, Piwuna described the programme as a “poisoned chalice,” saying it will further burden already indebted lecturers rather than address the core issue of fair wages.

According to iReporter Online, ASUU believes the loan initiative will cripple staff cooperative societies and leave academic workers financially enslaved, “Our members do not need more loans; they need living wages, after deductions, there will be nothing left for our families,” he said.

The union argued that the government’s offer of loans instead of improved remuneration is not only an insult to the dignity of lecturers but also a tactic to sidestep collective bargaining and avoid honouring the 2009 agreement.

Piwuna also criticised the government’s continued establishment of new universities despite a declared moratorium on such projects, pointing out that Nigeria now has 339 universities — most of which are underfunded and poorly staffed.

Public Universities in Crisis: ASUU Issues Final Warning

ASUU is demanding the full implementation of the 2009 agreement, including better funding for universities, improved conditions of service, university autonomy, and a review of regulatory frameworks for institutions like JAMB and NUC.

The union also decried the treatment of retired professors under the Contributory Pension Scheme, saying many who served the country for decades are left with meagre pensions in an economy ravaged by inflation. “It is cruel and unacceptable,” Piwuna stated.

According to iReporter Online, ASUU’s National Executive Council (NEC), after a recent meeting at Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, resolved to wait for the outcome of the August 28 meeting before announcing a final decision.

However, the union has announced that nationwide campus rallies will commence next week as a warning signal to the government.

Piwuna concluded by urging Nigerians to hold the Federal Government accountable if a strike becomes inevitable, “we’ve tried every peaceful means to resolve these issues.

The government has pushed us to the brink,” he said.

”IREPORTER REPORTS”