The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has criticized the federal government for being inconsistent in ongoing talks with the union, warning that the delay could have serious effects on Nigeria’s education system.
In a statement released after its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held from November 8–9, 2025, at Taraba State University, Jalingo, ASUU said it was disappointed with the slow progress and lack of commitment shown by government negotiators.
The statement, signed by ASUU President Prof. Chris Piwuna, recalled that the union had earlier suspended its warning strike on October 21, 2025, as a sign of good faith — even though the government’s offers were “very poor.”
ASUU said it called off the strike out of respect for students, parents, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the media, and other Nigerians who appealed for peace. It added that the union expected the government to use the one-month break to conclude the talks, but progress since then had been disappointing.
“It is now the responsibility of the government to use this opportunity to resolve all outstanding issues and keep our children in school,” the statement said.
ASUU accused the government of treating education like a business instead of a public service that is vital for national development.
The union also rejected the salary increase proposed by the government, calling it “a drop in the ocean” that would not stop the brain drain—the ongoing loss of university lecturers to other countries.
While ASUU acknowledged some small progress in non-monetary discussions, it said that salary and working conditions remain the most important issues and must be handled urgently and honestly.
The union also condemned misleading statements by some government officials about the talks, warning that such actions could destroy trust and derail the negotiations.
It said that small steps like paying part of the promotion arrears from 2017 or releasing third-party deductions should not be presented as major achievements.
“Government’s goal should be to solve problems, not to control the public narrative,” ASUU warned.
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The union urged the government to use the remaining days of the one-month window wisely to reach a fair and complete agreement that improves the welfare of university lecturers.
ASUU emphasized that investing in education is the best way to secure Nigeria’s future, describing the current state of universities and staff welfare as unacceptable, especially since government revenues have grown.
Quoting data from the Federation Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC), the union said state governments received ₦3.92 trillion in 2022 and ₦5.81 trillion in 2024 — a 62% increase, while federal allocations rose from ₦3.42 trillion in 2022 to ₦4.65 trillion in 2024 — a 70% increase.
“These figures show that the problem is not a lack of money but a lack of political will to prioritize education,” ASUU said.
The union called on traditional rulers, labour unions, students, civil society groups, and all concerned Nigerians to pressure the government to act responsibly and pay lecturers a living wage.
“The best way to protect Nigeria’s future is to invest in education,” ASUU concluded.
