The National Executive Council (NEC) of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has expressed deep concern over what it described as the Federal Government’s inconsistent approach to ongoing negotiations, warning that the development could have “grievous consequences” for the nation’s education sector.
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The union’s NEC, which met from November 8 to 9, 2025, at Taraba State University, Jalingo, reviewed the progress of talks with the government’s negotiating team and noted with disappointment the slow pace and lack of commitment demonstrated in the renegotiation process.
In a statement issued at the end of the meeting and signed by its president, Prof. Chris Piwuna, ASUU recalled that at its emergency session on October 21, 2025, it had resolved to suspend its warning strike in good faith, despite what it termed the government’s “grossly insufficient” offers.
The suspension, according to the union, was a gesture of respect for the overwhelming goodwill shown by students, parents, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the media, and other Nigerians who had intervened during the strike.
ASUU noted that the decision to suspend the strike was predicated on the expectation that the government would use the one-month window to meaningfully conclude the renegotiation process.
The union, however, lamented that progress since then had been unimpressive.
“It is now the responsibility of the government to take advantage of this opportunity to quickly resolve all outstanding issues in order to keep our children in school,” the statement read.
The NEC expressed regret that the government continues to treat education as a commercial venture rather than a social good essential for sustainable national development.
Reviewing developments since the suspension of the strike, the union rejected the proposed salary increment presented by government negotiators, describing it as “a mere drop in the ocean” incapable of addressing the brain drain that has plagued Nigerian universities for decades.
While acknowledging modest progress in non-monetary aspects of the talks, ASUU maintained that salary and conditions of service remain critical and must be addressed with urgency and sincerity.
The union also condemned what it described as deliberate misrepresentation by some government officials regarding the negotiation outcomes and implementation of agreements.
It cautioned that piecemeal gestures such as the partial payment of promotion arrears dating back to 2017 and the release of third-party deductions should not be presented as major achievements.
“Government’s objective must not be to win the narrative but to solve the problems,” ASUU stated, warning that the current communication strategy could undermine trust and derail the entire renegotiation process.
The union urged the government to use the remaining days of the one-month window “judiciously” to achieve a holistic resolution that uplifts the welfare of Nigerian academics.
ASUU emphasised that investing in education remains the most effective way to secure the nation’s future. It described as “unacceptable” the stagnant condition of academics and university infrastructure despite significant increases in government revenue.
Citing data from the Federation Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC), ASUU noted that state governments received ₦3.92 trillion in 2022 and ₦5.81 trillion in 2024 a 62 percent increase—while federal allocations rose from ₦3.42 trillion in 2022 to ₦4.65 trillion in 2024, representing a 70 percent rise.
“Contrary to the claim of paucity of funds, the figures clearly show that the problem is not economic but political a lack of will to prioritise education,” the union stated.
ASUU therefore renewed its appeal to traditional rulers, labour unions, students, civil society groups, and all well-meaning Nigerians to continue urging the government to act responsibly and grant university lecturers a living wage.
“The surest way to protect the future of our country is to invest in education,” ASUU concluded.
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