The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has called on the Federal Government to implement the 2009 FG/ASUU agreement, warning that failure to do so could result in a nationwide industrial action.
ASUU President, Nationwide Strikeissued the warning during a press briefing in Abuja on Friday.
He underscored the need for the government to fulfil its commitments and address the deteriorating state of Nigerian universities.
Dr Piwuna revealed that nine critical issues remain unresolved, notably the stalled renegotiation process that has been on hold since 2017.
He drew attention to the non-payment of salaries withheld during the 2022 strike and outstanding entitlements tied to the controversial Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS).
He also criticised the delay in releasing revitalisation funds and earned academic allowances, attributing the inaction to government negligence.
Despite pledges to invest ₦150 billion into universities and rectify irregular allowances by 2026, Piwuna noted that these commitments have yet to be honoured.
He further decried the marginalisation of ASUU members in state-owned institutions such as Kogi State University and Lagos State University, where issues such as victimisation, salary denial, and job insecurity continue to erode staff morale.
On the matter of university autonomy, Dr Piwuna lamented political interference in the appointment of institutional leadership, citing Nnamdi Azikiwe University and the University of Abuja as examples.
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He warned that Nigerian universities are increasingly becoming arenas for political and economic influence, a trend he described as unacceptable.
Calling for a national rebirth through education, he emphasised that education is essential to Nigeria’s transformation and sustainable development.
To tackle the ongoing crisis, he proposed the convening of a national education summit to address key issues such as funding, institutional autonomy, and academic welfare.
“Education empowers citizens, fosters innovation, and instils enduring values. Without it, meaningful development is unattainable,” he stated.
Dr Piwuna reaffirmed ASUU’s dedication to reforming Nigeria’s higher education system and appealed to patriotic Nigerians and international allies to support the union’s cause.
“Our universities must become hubs for addressing national challenges.
“We remain open to dialogue but will not accept any further infringement on our rights,” he concluded.
