ASUU raises alarm over delayed agreement implementation, warns of fresh strike
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), University of Jos branch, has warned of a possible fresh industrial crisis across Nigeria’s public universities, citing what it described as the Federal Government’s slow and inconsistent implementation of the 2025 agreement reached with the union.
Speaking at a press conference held at the union secretariat at the University of Jos on Monday, the branch leadership said frustration was mounting among academics and warned that the relative peace in the university system could deteriorate if urgent steps were not taken.
The union said its National Executive Council meeting, held at Modibbo Adama University on 9 and 10 May 2026, reviewed the implementation of the 23 December 2025 agreement with the Federal Government and concluded that progress had remained unsatisfactory.
According to ASUU, failure to fully implement the agreement could trigger another round of industrial action across public universities.
The union criticised the Federal Government for not inaugurating the Implementation Monitoring Committee, which it said was established to supervise execution of the agreement and eliminate administrative delays.
ASUU argued that the absence of the committee had led to what it called selective and distorted implementation of key salary and welfare provisions, including the Consolidated Academic Tool Allowance, Earned Academic Allowance, Professorial Allowance and responsibility allowances.
However, the union commended Sa’adu Zungur University and Ekiti State University for partially implementing aspects of the agreement, while urging other institutions and authorities to act quickly to prevent a nationwide breakdown in industrial harmony.
ASUU also criticised the Federal Government’s establishment of the National Research and Innovation Development Fund, announced by Education Minister Tunji Alausa without consultation with the union.
The union questioned the proposed dollar denominated funding structure of the initiative, warning that it could expose Nigeria’s education sector to external influence and what it described as neo liberal control mechanisms. It maintained that research funding provisions already contained in the 2025 agreement should be fully implemented.
Among unresolved welfare concerns raised by ASUU were arrears linked to the 25 and 35 per cent wage award, promotion arrears, withheld salaries arising from the 2022 strike action, salary shortfalls associated with the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System and unremitted third party deductions.
The union maintained that withholding salaries under the no work, no pay policy was unjustified, arguing that academic activities continued during the strike period through research and community engagement.
ASUU also highlighted the welfare challenges facing retired academics, particularly in state owned universities, citing pension arrears and delays in pension harmonisation by National Pension Commission. It appealed to President Bola Tinubu to intervene.
The union further opposed recent education policy changes by the Federal Government, including the reversal of the mother tongue instruction policy in early childhood education and the proposed transnational education arrangement involving Coventry University, which it described as a neo colonial academic model.
It also rejected proposals to discontinue certain university courses, insisting that all academic disciplines contribute to national development, and criticised moves to introduce academic designations such as Professor of Practice and Diaspora Professor, warning that such measures could weaken university autonomy.
Beyond education, ASUU expressed concern over worsening economic conditions, insecurity and rising political tension ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The union warned that increasing poverty, unemployment and insecurity were worsening living conditions and heightening public frustration.
It cautioned that continued delays in implementing the agreement and settling outstanding entitlements could provoke renewed industrial action.
“Government insensitivity to these issues is brewing pent up anger that may erupt if not properly managed,” the union said.
The press conference ended with a call on governments and relevant stakeholders to urgently ensure full implementation of the 2025 agreement to preserve stability within Nigeria’s public university system.