ASUU Warns of Possible Action Over FG’s Continued Failure to Implement 2009 Agreement
ASUU Warns of Possible Action Over FG’s Continued Failure to Implement 2009 Agreement
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has voiced its growing frustration over the prolonged deadlock in negotiations with the Federal Government concerning critical issues affecting university lecturers and the broader education sector.
Speaking in Jos on Sunday, ASUU President, Prof. Chris Piwuna, stated that the union has exhausted its patience after years of unmet promises and unfulfilled commitments by the government.
“We are tired of words and promises,” he said.
Prof. Piwuna emphasized that ASUU’s demands are well-known and clearly outlined in the 2009 agreement with the government. These include improvements to conditions of service, institutional autonomy, academic freedom, sustainable funding for universities, and the payment of 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 stressed that the union believed that the infrastructural decay, demoralised staff, cultism, and quality of education in universities could best be addressed through increased funding and improved remuneration for lecturers.
Prof. Chris Piwuna stressed that issues such as deteriorating infrastructure, low staff morale, cultism, and declining education quality in universities can only be effectively tackled through increased funding and better remuneration for academic staff.
He also highlighted the importance of including non-teaching staff in any salary adjustments, noting that such inclusion would foster harmony and ensure greater stability within the university system.
“To be clear, non-teaching staff should be considered in the salary review process. This will help maintain unity and support a stable academic environment,” he said.
The ASUU president issued a warning to the Federal Government, cautioning that failure to reach a resolution with the union could lead to serious consequences.
“In the coming days and weeks, the government should be prepared for whatever follows,” he stated.
