The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has warned the federal government to urgently address critical issues affecting the education sector or face a nationwide industrial action.
The warning was issued on Tuesday during an interactive session in Calabar by the Zonal Coordinator of ASUU, Calabar Zone, Comrade Ikechukwu Igwenyi.
ASUU insisted on the completion of renegotiation and full implementation of all existing agreements with clear timelines, alongside fair remuneration and improved working conditions for lecturers to stem the ongoing exodus of academic talent from Nigerian universities.
The union also demanded the immediate release of three and a half months’ outstanding salaries, all withheld payments, refund of third-party deductions, and settlement of all promotion arrears.
Additionally, ASUU called for payment of the outstanding 25–35 percent wage award with consequential adjustments, adequate budgetary allocation to education, and sustainable funding for the university system.
The union urged the federal government to respect university autonomy and stop imposing policies that undermine academic freedom.
In a statement jointly signed by Igwenyi and nine other zonal leaders, ASUU threatened to embark on strike if the government fails to comply with its demands.
The signatories include Comrade Happiness Uduak (IPZC, Calabar Zone); Comrade Chidi Mba (Chairperson, ASUU ABSU); Comrade Frank Nnamso Ndarake (Chairperson, ASUU EBSU); Comrade Louis Omeneyi (Chairperson, ASUU FUNAI); Comrade Patrick Ushie (Chairperson, ASUU UNICROSS); Comrade Peter Ubi (Chairperson, ASUU Unical); Comrade Valentine Ntui (Chairperson, ASUU UEE); and Comrade Opeyemi Olajide (Chairperson, ASUU UNIUYO).
“We gave the government a four-week ultimatum to address these issues, warning that it will not hesitate to invoke industrial action if the demands are not met.
“We shall remain unbowed, unbroken, and unwavering in this just struggle, with profound faith, secured in the knowledge that victory is sure,” ASUU stated.
The union emphasized that education is not a privilege, but a right, and that it is the responsibility of the government to ensure that the education sector is adequately funded.
ASUU also pointed out that the problem is not a lack of funds, but a lack of political will to invest in the development of Nigeria.
“We shall rebuild the Nigerian university system of our dreams with the ashes of the struggle,” ASUU concluded.