The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has asked
the federal government to fulfil the 2009 FG/ASUU agreement or face a
nationwide industrial action.
NAN reports that Chris Piwuna, ASUU president, spoke during
a press conference in Abuja on Friday.
Piwuna said the union was frustrated by the government’s
failure to resolve nine critical issues that have long plagued Nigeria’s public
universities.
The ASUU president highlighted the stalled renegotiation of
the agreement since 2017 as part of the unresolved issues.
He mentioned the withholding of salaries from the 2022
strike and unpaid entitlements linked to the controversial Integrated Payroll
and Personnel Information System (IPPIS).
Piwuna also criticised the government’s delay in releasing
revitalisation funds and earned academic allowances.
He said commitments remain unfulfilled despite pledges to
inject N150 billion into the university system and adjust irregular allowances
by 2026.
Piwuna alleged the marginalisation of ASUU members at
state-owned institutions like Kogi State University and Lagos State University.
He cited victimisation, job insecurity, and salary denials
in those institutions, adding that these issues undermine staff morale.
He argued that universities are becoming “battlegrounds for
political and economic interests”.
He said political interference has compromised the selection
of leaders in institutions such as Nnamdi Azikiwe University and the University
of Abuja.
The ASUU president called for a “national rebirth through
education”. He proposed an education summit focused on funding, university
autonomy and academic welfare.
“Education empowers citizens, drives innovation, and instils
values. Without it, development is impossible,” Piwuna said.
“Our universities should be centres for solutions to
national challenges.
“We are open to dialogue but will not tolerate further erosion
of our rights.”
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