ASUU warns FG against fresh university shutdown over unimplemented agreement

 

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Nsukka Zone, has warned Nigerians to hold the Federal Government responsible if public universities are shut down again over unresolved welfare issues.

ASUU leaders gave the warning on Thursday while addressing journalists at Benue State University, Makurdi, accusing the government of failing to fully implement an agreement signed with the union in December 2025.

Speaking at the briefing, ASUU Nsukka Zone Coordinator, Christian Opata, said the agreement, expected to take effect from January 2026, had not been fully implemented due to inadequate financial backing from the government.

According to him, key components of the agreement, including Consolidated Tools Allowances, Earned Academic Allowances and Professorial Allowances, have yet to be integrated into the Consolidated Academic Staff Salary Structure.

Opata also said outstanding financial obligations owed university lecturers remained unpaid.

“As of the time of holding this press conference, arrears arising from the 25–35 per cent salary award, promotion arrears, unpaid third-party deductions, salary shortfalls linked to the introduction of IPPIS, as well as the withheld three-and-a-half months salaries resulting from the 2022 ASUU industrial action remain unsettled,” he said.

He further accused the Federal Government of failing to inaugurate the Implementation Monitoring Committee agreed upon to oversee compliance and prevent delays in execution.

The union also faulted plans by the Federal Government to establish a National Research Council, saying ASUU was not consulted despite being part of previous agreements on education reforms.

National Investment Officer of the union, Celesine Aguoru, warned that any future shutdown of universities should be blamed on the government.

“If agreements signed by both parties cannot be respected by the government, Nigerians should hold government responsible if universities are shut down,” Aguoru said.

He added that ASUU was not eager to embark on another strike but urged Nigerians to pressure the government to address the union’s concerns.