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The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has raised fresh concerns over what it described as the “distorted and uncoordinated” implementation of the December 2025 agreement with the federal government, warning that growing frustration among faculty could trigger another round of industrial crisis at the nation’s universities.
The union, in a statement issued at the end of the National Executive Council meeting held at Modibbo Adama University, accused both federal and state authorities of failing to comply with key components of the agreement, just a few months after its public presentation in January 2026.
ASUU president Christopher Piwuna said the initial optimism that greeted the deal was “rapidly waning,” citing the federal government’s failure to inaugurate the implementation monitoring committee as a major setback.
According to him, the absence of the committee has led to a fragmented implementation of the provisions, with some university administrators allegedly “picking and choosing” which allowances to pay, contrary to the agreed framework.
The union also criticized the slow adoption of the agreement by state governments, accusing some governors of turning their backs on commitments negotiated jointly with university representatives.
… Controversies over welfare persist
ASUU has expressed anger over unresolved welfare issues, including arrears on salary increases, promotion benefits, unpaid allowances and withheld three-and-a-half months’ salaries linked to the 2022 strike.
The union argued that the continued enforcement of the “no work, no pay” policy undermines the nature of academic work, insisting that research and community service continue during the strike period.
He also denounced delays in pension payments to retired teachers, particularly in state universities, and accused the National Pensions Commission of delaying the harmonization of benefits.
ASUU has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to urgently intervene to prevent what it described as an imminent collapse of industrial harmony.
…Controversy over the research funding framework
The union also criticized the federal government’s plan to set up a research fund outside the framework of the 2025 deal, saying it was left out of the process.
He criticized the announcement by the Minister of Education, Maruf Tunji Alausa, of a $500 million proposal for a National Research and Innovation Development Fund, arguing that it contradicts the agreement’s provision of funding research at least 1% of Nigeria’s GDP.
ASUU has questioned the decision to denominate the proposed fund in dollars, raising concerns about possible external borrowing and undue foreign influence.
…Opposition to educational policies
The union has rejected several recent government policy directions, including the reversal of the mother tongue policy in pre-school education, describing it as “retrogressive” and not supported by research.
He also rejected plans to establish a Coventry University campus in Nigeria under a transnational education framework, warning that the move could undermine local universities and exacerbate educational inequality.
Similarly, ASUU has opposed the compulsory registration of academics in the Nigeria Education Repository database, citing concerns over data privacy and lack of stakeholder consultation.
The union has also rejected proposals to eliminate some university courses deemed “irrelevant”, insisting that the humanities and social sciences remain fundamental to national development.
Accusations of maladministration
ASUU expressed concern over what it described as growing irregularities in university administration, including questionable appointments, financial mismanagement and the introduction of unrecognized academic positions such as “Professor of Practice”.
He warned that such practices threaten the credibility and integrity of the university system.
FUT Minna Land controversy
The union also condemned the Niger State Government’s attempts to reclaim the Bosso campus of the Federal University of Technology, Minna, describing the move as dangerous and capable of setting a negative precedent for federal state collaboration in education.
…State of the nation
Beyond education, ASUU painted a grim picture of Nigeria’s socioeconomic conditions, citing rising poverty, insecurity and political tension ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The union warned that worsening economic hardship, unemployment and insecurity across all regions could further destabilize the country if urgent measures are not taken.
The threat of strike looms
ASUU said growing dissatisfaction among its members could culminate in fresh industrial action if the government fails to address outstanding issues.
He revealed that an emergency meeting of the NEC will be convened in the coming weeks to reassess the situation and determine the next course of action.
“Growing frustration caused by the government’s apparent disinterest in the well-being of academics is fueling pent-up anger that could explode,” the union warned.
ASUU, however, said it remains open to dialogue, urging Nigerians to persuade government to fully implement the agreement in the interest of students and the nation’s education sector.
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