The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has threatened to embark on a nationwide industrial action should the federal government fail to honour the 2009 agreement.
Chris Piwuna, the newly elected president of ASUU, issued the warning on Friday during a news conference in Abuja.
Piwuna emphasised the need for the federal government to fulfil the union and also fix the deteriorating conditions in Nigerian universities.
Buttressing his points, Piwuna said that there are nine critical issues which remain unresolved, including the stalled renegotiation process since 2017.
Besides, he cited the withheld salaries from the 2022 strike and unpaid entitlements linked to the contentious Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS).
The new ASUU president condemned the delayed release of revitalisation funds and earned academic allowances, which he said were due to the federal government’s inaction.
He said in spite of promises by the federal government to inject N150 billion into universities and adjust irregular allowances by 2026, these commitments remain unfulfilled.
Piwuna emphasised that ASUU members are being marginalised, citing instances in institutions such as Kogi State University and Lagos State University.
“Victimisation, salary denial, and job insecurity persist in those universities, undermining staff morale,” he said.
He stressed that political interference is aiding the compromise of university autonomy, as some leaders are mobilised against their colleagues, especially as witnessed in institutions such as Nnamdi Azikiwe University and the University of Abuja.
He decried the fact that universities are becoming battlegrounds for political and economic interests, describing it as unacceptable.
Piwuna disclosed the need for a national rebirth through education, which he said is essential for the country’s transformation and economic growth.
He proposed a national education summit focusing on funding, autonomy, and academic welfare to address the crisis.
“Education empowers citizens, drives innovation, and instils values. “Without it, development is impossible,” he said.
He reiterated ASUU’s commitment to reforming Nigerian universities and urged patriotic Nigerians and global allies to support the union’s struggle.
“Our universities should be centres for solutions to national challenges.
“We are open to dialogue but will not tolerate further erosion of our rights,” Piwuna said.