By By Elizabeth Ugbo
The Academic Staff Union of Universities on Monday warned the Federal Government and state governments against actions that could trigger another university strike in Nigeria. The union issued the warning after its National Executive Council meeting held on May 9 and 10, 2026, at Modibbo Adama University. ASUU President, Chris Piwuna, said poor implementation of the December 2025 agreement caused growing frustration among lecturers and could lead to industrial unrest ahead of the 2027 elections.
ASUU Accuses Government Of Poor Agreement Implementation
ASUU said it remained silent after the January 2026 unveiling of the 2025 Federal Government-ASUU agreement. However, the union explained that recent developments forced it to speak out.
According to ASUU, authorities implemented the agreement in a distorted and uncoordinated manner. The union also blamed the situation on the failure to inaugurate the Implementation Monitoring Committee.
ASUU noted that only a few state governments complied fully with the agreement reached during the eight-year negotiation process between 2017 and 2025.
“The momentum generated with the unveiling of the 2025 FGN-ASUU Agreement is fast waning,” the union stated.
ASUU Faults Research Funding Proposal
ASUU criticised the Federal Government’s proposed National Research Council and the National Research and Innovation Development Fund announced by the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa.
The union argued that the proposal contradicts the 2025 agreement, which recommends research funding worth at least one percent of Nigeria’s GDP.
ASUU also questioned the proposed $500 million funding structure. It expressed concerns about possible external borrowing and transparency in the funding process.
Lecturers’ Welfare Issues Remain Unresolved
The union listed several unresolved welfare issues affecting lecturers nationwide.
These include:
- Salary arrears
- Promotion arrears
- Unremitted deductions
- IPPIS salary shortfalls
- Withheld salaries from the 2022 ASUU strike
ASUU also criticised delays in pension payments for retired lecturers, especially in state universities.
Furthermore, the union accused the National Pension Commission of delaying pension benefit harmonisation.
The union urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene and resolve the outstanding welfare concerns affecting university workers.
ASUU Rejects Coventry University Nigeria Campus
ASUU opposed plans to establish a Nigerian campus of Coventry University under a transnational education arrangement.
The union argued that such a move could weaken local universities and reduce investment in Nigeria’s tertiary education sector.
In addition, ASUU rejected compulsory enrolment into the Nigeria Education Repository Databank. The union described the policy as a violation of academic freedom and data protection laws.
Union Defends Humanities And Social Science Courses
ASUU also opposed plans to scrap some university courses considered irrelevant.
The union insisted that humanities and social science programmes remain important for critical thinking, innovation, and national development.
Moreover, ASUU accused some university administrators of maladministration and questionable academic appointments.
The union further criticised federal university managements for selectively implementing allowances such as:
- Consolidated Academic Allowances
- Earned Academic Allowances
- Professorial Allowances
ASUU maintained that these allowances should form part of the Consolidated Academic Salary Structure.
ASUU Warns Of Rising Political And Economic Tension
The union expressed concern over worsening insecurity, political tension, and economic hardship ahead of the 2027 general elections.
ASUU warned that neglecting lecturers’ welfare could spark another nationwide strike.
The union urged Nigerians to pressure governments at all levels to fully implement the 2025 agreement.
ASUU added that its NEC would meet again in the coming weeks to review developments and decide on further actions if necessary.
Meanwhile, the warning comes months after Education Minister Tunji Alausa declared in Lagos that strikes in Nigerian tertiary institutions had permanently ended.
