ASUU – Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has declared that 2025 could witness prolonged confrontations with the Federal Government unless concrete steps are taken to resolve lingering issues in the education sector.
The Ibadan Chapter Chairman of ASUU, Prof. Ayo Akinwole, stated on January 2, 2025, that efforts by the FG in 2024 were merely cosmetic and failed to address the core challenges facing university education in Nigeria.
ASUU’s grievances include the lack of funding for the revitalization of public universities as per past agreements, withheld salaries and third-party deductions, arrears of Earned Academic Allowances (EAA), failure to implement UTAS in place of IPPIS, and the non-renegotiation of the 2009 FGN-ASUU Agreement.
Prof. Akinwole criticized the proposed elimination of the education tax in favor of a “development levy” under the 2025 tax reform bills, warning it could undermine TETFund’s role in providing infrastructure for public universities. He also noted that the education sector’s 7% allocation in the 2025 budget fell far below the UNESCO-advised 15%-20% benchmark for developing nations.
ASUU has demanded that the Federal Government review and sign the Nimi Briggs-led renegotiated draft agreement, restore university lecturers’ salaries to the African average, ensure full implementation of UTAS, and address the challenges of overcrowded and underfunded educational facilities.
Prof. Akinwole urged the government to reverse policies that commodify university education, citing Germany’s free education model as a positive example.
The union has called on its members to remain vigilant and brace for possible industrial action if the Federal Government fails to address these issues.
ASUU emphasized that education is critical for national development and that its welfare, as well as the condition of Nigeria’s universities, should be prioritized by the government.
By Damilola Adeleke| January 11, 2025
Adeleke Damilola (ACTION) is a versatile content writer with expertise in news writing and a seasoned media professional and broadcast specialist. Currently serving as News Editor for DNews Info, Damilola is also the CEO of the ACTION brand, committed to shaping lives and establishing a legacy of excellence for present and future generations.
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