Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) issues warning over unresolved issues and impending challenges
Union Warns of Possible Confrontation
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has declared that 2025 will be marked by a long-drawn confrontation between the union and the Federal Government unless significant efforts are made to address the ongoing issues in Nigeria’s university education system. ASUU voiced concerns over the government’s failure to implement substantial reforms and resolve key issues, which it described as cosmetic measures in the previous year. ASUU further emphasized that the year 2024’s uninterrupted academic calendar was largely due to the sacrifices of the union, not the government’s intervention.
Pending Issues Remain Unresolved
According to ASUU’s Ibadan chapter Chairman, Professor Ayo Akinwole, the government has failed to address several long-standing demands. These include the non-payment of withheld salaries, failure to release third-party deductions, and inadequate funding for the revitalization of public universities. The union also expressed dissatisfaction with the government’s policy flip-flops, such as the 18-year admission benchmark, and called for immediate action to review and finalize the Nimi Briggs-led renegotiated agreement.
ASUU’s Expectations for 2025
ASUU outlined specific expectations for the government in 2025, including the resolution of salary arrears, the implementation of the UTAS system, and increased funding for universities in line with previous agreements. The union also stressed the importance of addressing the declining quality of education in Nigeria, which it attributes to poor infrastructure, overcrowded classrooms, and a lack of qualified teachers. ASUU called for a comprehensive overhaul of the education sector, particularly in basic education, to ensure that every Nigerian child has access to quality learning.
Government’s Education Budget Criticized
The union criticized the federal government’s education budget for 2025, which it deemed inadequate and far below the internationally recommended benchmark of 15-20% of the national budget for developing countries. The education sector received just 7% of the 2025 budget, a figure ASUU finds unacceptable, particularly given the ongoing challenges in the university system. The union also opposed the government’s tax reform bills, warning that these reforms could undermine TETFund, a crucial source of funding for university infrastructure.
Opposition to Commodification of Education
ASUU strongly opposed any attempt to commodify university education in Nigeria. The union raised alarms over the proposal to replace the education tax with a “development levy,” a move it believes could disrupt the funding of infrastructure development in public universities. The union is also concerned that, by 2030, the new policy could eliminate TETFund, which has been instrumental in improving the physical infrastructure of Nigerian universities.
The Road Ahead for ASUU and Nigerian Universities
Looking ahead, ASUU has vowed to remain vigilant and ready for any challenges that may arise if the government continues to neglect the education sector. The union has urged its members to maintain support for leadership and prepare for possible struggles in the coming year. ASUU remains resolute in its commitment to securing better conditions for university staff and ensuring the sustainability of public higher education in Nigeria.
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