ASUU threatens action over FG’s failure to honour 2009 agreement

The Academic Staff Union of Universities has voiced its disappointment over the prolonged deadlock in negotiations with the Federal Government concerning critical matters affecting university lecturers and the nation’s education sector.

In an interview with the media in Jos on Sunday, ASUU President, Prof Chris Piwuna, stated that the union had exhausted its patience with the government, despite years of dialogue and unfulfilled assurances.

“We are tired of words and promises,” the ASUU president stated.

Piwuna emphasised that the union’s demands were well-defined and thoroughly explained, referencing the 2009 agreement with the government, which addresses essential issues such as working conditions, institutional autonomy, academic freedom, sustainable funding, and earned academic allowances.

“Our efforts are frustrated by the government. It has been seven years now since we started the renegotiation with the government.”

“It has reached a point that something must give way. We either have an agreement or we don’t. We are tired of words and promises of action. Our members can only respond to action,” he said.

The ASUU President reiterated the union’s stance that infrastructural decline, staff demoralisation, cultism, and the deteriorating quality of university education could best be tackled through increased funding and better compensation for lecturers.

“We believe that the infrastructural decay, demoralised staff, cultism and quality of education in our universities can best be addressed through increased funding and improved remuneration for our members,” he added.

Piwuna further highlighted the importance of including non-academic staff in salary reviews, asserting that this would foster harmony and ensure stability within the system.

“Let me be clear: non-teaching staff of the university should be carried along as our salaries are reviewed. It will promote harmony and stabilise the system,” he stated.

The ASUU president cautioned that the government must be ready to face the consequences of failing to reach a resolution with the union.

“In the days and weeks ahead, the government should be ready to accept whatever they see,” he said.