Education

ASUU rejects FG’s proposal, begins two-week strike today

Published

6 months ago

October 13, 2025

The Academic Staff Union of Universities will on Monday (today) commence a two-week warning strike after the ultimatum issued to the Federal Government elapsed on Sunday.

The announcement was made by the National President of the union, Prof. Chris Piwuna, at a press briefing at the University of Abuja on Sunday.

The renewed standoff between ASUU and the government comes amid ongoing negotiations aimed at averting another round of industrial unrest in public universities.

Last Wednesday, the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, disclosed in Abuja that the government had entered the final phase of talks with ASUU and other unions to resolve lingering disputes over welfare, funding, and the implementation of the 2009 ASUU-FGN Agreement.

Alausa noted that the Tinubu administration had already made significant progress with the release of N50bn for the payment of Earned Academic Allowances, while another N150bn had been captured in the 2025 budget for needs assessment, to be disbursed in three tranches.

But declaring the strike, Piwuna stated, “Compatriots of the press, it goes without saying that there is nothing sufficient on the ground to stop the implementation of the ASUU-NEC’s resolution to embark on a two-week warning strike at the expiry of the 14-day notice given on the 28th September 2025.

“Consequently, all branches of ASUU are hereby directed to withdraw their services with effect from midnight on Monday, the 13th October, 2025. The warning strike shall be total and comprehensive as agreed at the last NEC meeting.’’

Our correspondent learnt that the Federal Government had extended an invitation to the union last Friday in a bid to meet the deadline set by ASUU leadership.

During the meeting, the government presented a proposal to ASUU, which was rejected by its leadership because the new offer did not meet the demands presented by the union.

ASUU is currently demanding the conclusion of the renegotiated 2009 FGN-ASUU agreement, release of the withheld three and a half months’ salaries, sustainable funding of public universities, revitalisation of public universities and cessation of the victimisation of lecturers in Lagos State University, Kogi State University, now Prince Abubakar Audu University and Federal University of Technology, Owerri.

Others are payment of outstanding 25-35% salary arrears, payment of promotion arrears for over four years and release of withheld third-party deductions( cooperative contributions, union check-off dues).

Though the meeting between both parties ended in a deadlock, a highly placed source in the ministry who was privy to the interactions between the ministry and ASUU leadership noted that the education minister made efforts to reach out to the leadership of the union, but his phone calls were rejected.

“The minister made efforts to reach out to the leadership of the union, but they refused to pick up calls. A proposal was made, but they went ahead with the strike.”

ASUU’s president, Piwuna, earlier confirmed that the proposal by the government was rejected. He noted that the union was working towards presenting its own proposal to the government.

“The presentation to ASUU was a total departure from the letter and spirit of the review of the draft agreement submitted by the Yayale Ahmed committee to the ministry.”

“ In consonance with our union’s principles, ASUU will soon submit its position – pointing out areas of deliberate distortion, inconsistency and flagrant disregard for extant laws, policies and practices – to the Federal Government.

“Suffice to state, however, that the hurriedly packaged documents were provocative and incapable of dousing industrial tensions which had reached an irreversible pitch across our campuses.

“The Federal Government raised our members’ hopes in resolving the lingering issues before we held the August 2025 NEC meeting at the Usmanu Danfodio University, Sokoto, by asking for three weeks of grace to sort out things.

‘’It was a hard sell, but the leadership managed to convince NEC to exercise a little more patience. The pre-UDUS NEC hope was dashed without a blink,” Piwuna noted.

ASUU has a history of strikes driven by various issues, including unpaid salaries and promotion arrears affecting lecturers’ financial stability and morale, poor funding leading to infrastructure decay, inadequate facilities, and limited research capabilities in public universities, lack of genuine government commitment and failure to implement previous agreements eroding trust between ASUU and the government and dissatisfaction with working conditions, among others.

Meanwhile, the Federal Government on Sunday night threatened to invoke the no-work-no-pay policy following ASUU’s strike declaration.

In a joint statement, the Minister of Education, Alausa and the Minister of State for Education, Prof Suwaiba Ahmad, called on the ASUU to reconsider its decision to embark on an industrial strike, emphasising that constructive dialogue remains the most effective and sustainable path toward resolving all outstanding issues in the tertiary education sector.

In a statement issued by Folasade Boriowo, the spokesperson of the Federal Ministry of Education, she disclosed that the Federal Government has made a comprehensive offer to the union and is still awaiting ASUU’s official response.

The ministry emphasised that the offer addresses the union’s primary concerns, including working conditions, institutional governance, and staff welfare.

It accused ASUU of not being cooperative despite efforts by the government to avert the strike declared by the union.

“The ministers further stressed that the government has continued to prioritise the welfare of university staff and the stability of the academic calendar under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.

‘’According to them, dialogue remains the most effective and sustainable path to resolving disagreements, and government remains open to engagement at any level to prevent unnecessary disruption in the education sector.

“They, however, emphasised that the “no work, no pay” policy remains an extant labour law of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and the government will be guided by this law should academic activities be disrupted in the nation’s universities.

‘’While government continues to demonstrate goodwill and flexibility, it will not abdicate its responsibility to uphold fairness and accountability in the use of public resources.’’

The statement reassured Nigerian students, parents, and the general public that the Federal Government is firmly committed to maintaining industrial harmony in the tertiary education system.

“The ministers appealed to all academic unions to embrace partnership and dialogue rather than confrontation, in the collective interest of the nation’s higher education system.

“They reiterated that the government’s education reform agenda is designed to enhance teaching and research conditions, promote institutional autonomy through strengthened university governance, and ensure that the academic community thrives in an environment of mutual respect, productivity, and innovation.”

Meanwhile, the National Association of Nigerian Students has urged the Federal Government to demonstrate sincerity and urgency in resolving the fresh industrial action declared by ASUU.

The Assistant General Secretary of NANS, Adejuwon Emmanuel, appealed in an interview with The PUNCH in Abuja on Sunday.

Reacting to the development, Adejuwon said NANS had been closely monitoring the situation and was deeply concerned about the impact on students.

“We have been monitoring developments surrounding the industrial action declared by ASUU over lingering issues with the Federal Government.

“We are aware that the University of Jos chapter of ASUU recently met with the management of the institution and student leaders to explain their grievances, which include unresolved matters relating to welfare, funding, and government obligations,” he said.

Adejuwon disclosed that the NANS President, Olushola Oladoja, had initiated consultations to mediate between ASUU and the Federal Government.

“The NANS President has since commenced high-level consultations aimed at mediating between ASUU and the government to avert the strike.

“We commend both parties for previous dialogue efforts and urge them to once again embrace negotiation in the interest of the nation’s educational system. Nigerian students have endured too many disruptions, and another strike will only worsen their hardship,” he added.

While acknowledging ASUU’s legitimate concerns, NANS appealed to the union to explore other forms of engagement that would not further destabilise the academic calendar.

“We urge the Federal Government to show sincerity and urgency in addressing the issues at stake. The future of Nigerian students must not be sacrificed on the altar of bureaucracy and broken promises,” Adejuwon said, adding that the association would not “sit idly by if students’ education is once again jeopardised.”

In a related development, the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics has given the government a six-week timeframe to attend to its demands.

The polytechnics’ lecturers said the decision to suspend the proposed strike was based on the fact that the Minister of Education has shown good faith in addressing some of their demands.

The union had served the government a 21-day ultimatum notice after its emergency National Executive Council meeting on 15th August, 2025.

The ultimatum listed a number of items of dispute requiring the urgent intervention of the government.

But ASUP said following a series of structured engagements with the government through the minister’s office from the effective date of the ultimatum to date, NEC reconvened on October 9, 2025, at its 115th meeting to review the response and commitment of the government towards effective resolution of the issues.

According to the statement, NEC particularly took note of the release of the circular by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission, concerning the Peculiar Academic Allowance and measurable progress made in the release of the 2025 cycle of the NEEDS ASSESSMENT intervention for polytechnics.

It further noted the resumption of meetings of the Polytechnics Implementation Monitoring Committee and the scheduled monitoring and evaluation activities as a prelude to assessing the 2025 NEEDS ASSESSMENT cycle; the reconstitution of the Federal Government Renegotiation Committee to accommodate the polytechnics sector, and the decisive disposition of the FME in calling the rectors of Federal Polytechnics Nekede and Ekowe to order.

Post Views: 406

Education

Aba Polytechnic to introduce education technology courses, tackles drug abuse

Published

3 days ago

April 1, 2026

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The Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic Aba, Abia State, has announced plans to introduce Educational Technology (EdTech) courses in line with directives from the Abia State Ministry of Education.

The initiative seeks to equip students with competencies in digital tool integration, instructional design, and contemporary pedagogical practices to strengthen teaching and learning within the institution.

The Rector of the Polytechnic, Dr. Christopher Okoro Kalu, disclosed this while addressing members of the Academic Board at the Polytechnic Auditorium.

He said the institution has been positioned to comply with the Ministry’s directive, assuring that all newly introduced courses would undergo proper accreditation before the planned relocation to the Osisioma campus.

“Before the relocation to Osisioma Campus, these courses must either be fully accredited or have completed the necessary resource verification processes,” he said.

Kalu further revealed that infrastructural development at the Osisioma campus is progressing.

He explained that the Ministry of Public Utilities has commenced work on water reticulation at the campus, with a projected completion timeline of one month and a durability span of up to 50 years.

The Rector added that the Ministry of Works is currently overseeing the construction of internal roads, covering both Phase One and Phase Two, while work has also begun on the administrative building, which is expected to be completed by September.

‎He also acknowledged the Abia State Government for the official handover of facilities previously constructed by Abia State University, Uturu.

‎Addressing concerns regarding the relocation, Kalu assured staff and students that their welfare remains a top priority.

‎In addition, he disclosed that modern equipment has been provided to support the establishment of an EYE Content Hub for students of Film and Multimedia Production.

‎The hub, to be located at the institution’s ICT building, is designed to enhance practical training and align students with current industry standards.

In a related development the polytechnic has strengthened its collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Abia State Command, to curb drug abuse among students.

Kalu approved the partnership on Wednesday while receiving the NDLEA State Coordinator, CN Chigbu Odomelam Chilee, and his delegation at the institution’s Council Chamber.

Chilee raised concern over the rising incidence of substance abuse in the state, noting that young people are among the most affected.

The NDLEA official called for the introduction of drug education programmes, peer sensitisation initiatives, and campaigns promoting healthy lifestyles among students.

The Rector described drug abuse as a major threat to societal development, emphasising the need for sustained intervention.

“Nothing destroys a nation quicker than drug abuse. Aside from its impact on mental health, it also contributes to poverty,” he said.

Kalu approved the training of students in the dangers of drug abuse as part of the institution’s preventive strategy.

He disclosed that the training sessions would be held between May and June this year with another round scheduled for November, and stressed the importance of continuous sensitisation.

Post Views: 60

Education

Police accused of assaulting, firing at protesting OOU students

Published

5 days ago

March 30, 2026

Newsbreak365_Admin

The Olabisi Onabanjo University’s (OOU) Students’ Union Government has accused officers of the Nigerian Police Force of assaulting their leaders and firing shots at unarmed students during a protest at the Oru-Ijebu Police Station in Ogun State.

The Ogun State Police Command had denied the allegations in a statement signed by its spokesperson, Oluseyi Babaseyi, late Saturday night, saying no student was detained following the reported confrontation at the Oru-Ijebu Police Division.

However, in a statement by the students’ union on Sunday, co-signed by the SUG President, Kehinde Bamigbose, and General Secretary, Olajire Emmanuel, the incident began after reports emerged that some students had been arrested under “unclear and questionable” circumstances, prompting the SUG Legal Director to visit the station to verify the situation.

“In a bid to ensure due process and protect the rights of our students, the OOUSUG Legal Director proceeded to the station to ascertain the situation and engage the officers in a lawful and civil manner.

“Shockingly, while carrying out his legitimate duty, our legal director was subjected to degrading treatment — he was physically assaulted, kicked, and violently manhandled, including being choked by officers of the Nigerian Police Force,” the statement partly read.

It added that another student present at the station was also assaulted, as they frowned at the unprofessional acts by the law enforcement agency.

“Even more disturbing, a student who accompanied him was slapped by officers during the encounter. These acts represent a gross violation of human dignity, professional ethics, and the rule of law,” the union said.

The statement further explained that the Students’ Union President, alongside other leaders, later arrived at the station in an attempt to de-escalate the situation.

“Upon receiving this disturbing update, the OOUSUG President, accompanied by other student leaders, arrived at the station to peacefully intervene and de-escalate the situation,” it said.

Detailing the aftermath, the union alleged that the police responded with force, claiming that several students were injured and arrested during the incident.

“Rather than engage constructively, the police officers resorted to reckless violence. Without justification, they opened fire on unarmed students.

“In the course of this unwarranted aggression, a student was shot on the hand; several students were brutalised and assaulted; multiple students were unlawfully arrested; panic and chaos were deliberately instigated through continuous gunfire,” it stated.

The union also alleged that bystanders were affected.

“Innocent bystanders and students were subjected to fear, intimidation, and physical harm,” it added.

Describing the incident as an abuse of power, the union said it would not tolerate intimidation or violence against students.

“We find it utterly unacceptable that officers entrusted with maintaining law and order would instead become agents of terror against the very citizens they are meant to protect,” it said.

The union issued a list of demands, including an immediate investigation, prosecution of officers involved, medical treatment and compensation for injured students, and the unconditional release of those allegedly detained.

The development comes amid conflicting accounts from both the police and the students over the circumstances surrounding the clash at the Oru-Ijebu division.

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Post Views: 68

Education

60% of employers say graduates not job-ready — Report

Published

5 days ago

March 30, 2026

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Nearly 60 per cent of employers in Nigeria say graduates are not job-ready, underscoring a widening gap between academic training and industry expectations, a new report has revealed.

This comes as experts urged Nigerian undergraduates to boost their employability by acquiring soft skills and leveraging opportunities both within and beyond the classroom before graduation.

The advice was given on Thursday in Ikeja, Lagos, during the presentation of Proten International’s latest report on the gap between education and industry needs.

The report added that more than 55 per cent of Nigerian graduates work in roles unrelated to their field of study, as it highlighted critical gaps in communication, technical and digital skills.

“Findings reveal significant misalignment between academic training and the competencies demanded by modern workplaces, with 55 per cent of respondents working in fields unrelated to their academic background and nearly 60 per cent of employers reporting that graduates are inadequately prepared for their roles.

“Critical gaps exist in teamwork, communication, technical proficiency, and digital literacy, while soft skills and practical experience remain highly desired but underdeveloped,” the report read.

Speaking at the industry roundtable themed “Bridging the Skill Gap Between Education and Industry Needs in Nigeria,” the Managing Director of Proten International, Deborah Yemi-Oladayo, described the problem as multidimensional.

“It’s not one way. If you redesign the curriculum, it means you are improving it. Then you need to retrain the people who are going to train the students,” she said.

She questioned the level of investment in lecturer development, adding, “How many of our lecturers get enough training? If we’re expecting our lecturers to do much more for our students, we need to give them that level of training so that they will be able to transfer in the classroom.”

Yemi-Oladayo stressed that expecting improved outcomes without equipping educators is unrealistic.

“It’s not enough to expect lecturers to do magic. They can only give what they have,” she said.

The MD also advised students not to wait for systemic reforms before taking responsibility for their own development.

“I advise undergraduates to harness opportunities that are around the world. We have online platforms that deliver training for free,” she said, urging them to focus on self-development beyond social media.

She added that students must be intentional about their growth. “They (the students) have a part to play. Nobody will do it for them,” she said.

Also speaking, the founder of Treford Africa, a non-engineering skill partner for professionals and businesses, Harry Enabolo, emphasised the importance of practical experience in preparing for employment.

“Experience prepares you for a job faster than almost anything you learn. The best learning still happens on the job,” he said.

Enabolo encouraged students to seek internships and engage with startups, noting that applying knowledge in real-life situations accelerates learning.

“One of the best ways of learning is to take all the knowledge you have gained and apply it to something,” he said, adding that early exposure to work environments helps students transition more easily into the labour market.

He further called for a more flexible education system that allows students to combine academic work with practical experience without affecting their performance.

The representatives from government, the private sector, and academia attended the roundtable.