The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has warned the Federal government over the delay in the renegotiation process
The Union announced the warning in a statement after its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Taraba State where members were briefed on the latest offers from the government’s negotiating team.
Recall that ASUU had suspended its warning strike to allow further engagement and in recognition of support from students, parents, the media, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), and other well-meaning Nigerians.
A one-month window was granted to the government to conclude renegotiations in good faith.
In the statement, The NEC expressed concern over what it described as the government’s back-and-forth approach to negotiations, warning that continued indecision could have serious consequences.
”Members of the NEC regrettably have observed with consternation, government’s failure to prioritise education because it perceives education as commercial good that must be self sustaining instead of a social good that guarantees the sustainable development of the nation” It read in part.
The union also expressed displeasure over insensitivity of government officials for undermining the negotiation process through misrepresentation and selective implementation of agreements.
According to the university teachers, the partial payment of promotion arrears dating back to 2017, and the release of third-party deductions, were described as confidence-boosting exercises rather than solutions to the core issues.
The statement added that, two weeks into the suspension of its warning strike, the NEC reviewed progress and rejected the proposed salary increment as inadequate to reverse the long-standing brain drain in the nation’s universities.
It added that although some non-monetary aspects of the agreement have seen progress, salary and conditions of service remain critical issues requiring urgent attention.
The NEC emphasised that the remaining days of the one-month window must be used wisely to achieve a holistic resolution, particularly to improve the living conditions of academics.
The union also highlighted that, contrary to government claims of economic hardship, federal and state revenues have grown substantially in recent years.
It says according to Data from the Federal Accounts Allocation Committee, state revenues rising from N3.92 trillion in 2022 to N5.81 trillion in 2024, while federal revenues increased from N3.42 trillion to N4.65 trillion naira over the same period.
”ASUU insists that the problem is lack of political will, not insufficient funds.” it reads
The Union called on traditional rulers, community leaders, students, the NLC, and civil society to continue impressing it on the government to act responsibly and provide lecturers with a living wage.
