Abuja, Nigeria — The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has reiterated its call for the Federal Government to honor agreements aimed at improving the state of tertiary education in the country.
The union’s National President, Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke, made this demand during a press briefing in Abuja on Monday. He criticized the government’s failure to fulfill its commitments despite repeated assurances.
Speaking on the state of the education sector, Osodeke emphasized the importance of prioritizing investments in education to secure the nation’s future.
“The challenges plaguing our universities stem from years of neglect and underfunding,” Osodeke said. “We cannot build a prosperous nation without addressing the fundamental issues affecting our institutions.”
He highlighted unresolved matters, including unpaid salaries, withheld allowances, and poor infrastructure in public universities, as major factors hampering the sector’s development.
Osodeke revealed that lecturers across several universities are owed six months of salary arrears, with little effort made to address the issue.
“It is disheartening that we are forced to engage in endless negotiations and endure repeated promises that never materialize,” he stated. “Our members cannot continue to work under these conditions, and the government must act decisively to prevent further disruption in the education sector.”
Call for Urgent Intervention
ASUU called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and relevant government agencies to take swift action to address these lingering issues. The union warned that continued delays could lead to another nationwide industrial action.
“We are giving the government a short window to resolve these matters. If nothing is done, we will have no choice but to explore other options, including a strike,” Osodeke warned.
He urged stakeholders, including parents and students, to join in holding the government accountable for improving Nigeria’s education system.
The statement concluded with ASUU’s renewed commitment to ensuring the sustainability and quality of higher education in the country.
By Taiwo Olatinwo| January 22, 2025
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