The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has warned that the public university system could face another wave of industrial unrest if the Federal Government and state governments fail to fully implement the December 2025 agreement reached with the union.

Speaking at the end of its National Executive Council meeting held at Modibbo Adama University, Yola, on May 9 and 10, 2026, ASUU expressed dissatisfaction with what it described as the “distorted and uncoordinated” implementation of the agreement signed with the Federal Government.

According to a statement issued by ASUU President, Chris Piwuna, on Monday, the union said it had maintained “a studied silence” since the signing and public presentation of the agreement in January 2026.

“This interactive session was called to present the outcome of our review of the implementation of the signed agreement and other outstanding issues following the NEC meeting held at Modibbo Adama University, 9th–10th May, 2026,” the statement read.

The union said it decided to speak after reviewing the implementation process and other unresolved issues affecting university lecturers.

“The momentum generated with the unveiling of the 2025 FGN-ASUU Agreement on 14th January, 2026 is fast waning and may soon be lost if government’s promise to fully implement the agreement is not kept,” it stated.

Recall that in March 2026, the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa at a Lagos event declared the era of strikes in Nigerian tertiary institutions permanently over, assuring parents, students, and the general public that universities and polytechnics will remain open for all academic sessions.

Meanwhile, ASUU blamed the situation on the failure to inaugurate the Implementation Monitoring Committee, which it said was meant to ensure proper execution of the agreement.

According to the union, federal and state authorities have implemented the agreement in a “distorted and uncoordinated manner”, while only a few state governments have complied.

The union also accused administrators of federal universities of selectively implementing components such as Consolidated Academic Allowances, Earned Academic Allowances, and Professorial Allowances, which it said should have been integrated into the Consolidated Academic Salary Structure.

ASUU further criticised some state governments for allegedly ignoring the agreement despite participating in the negotiation process.

It reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring members benefit from what it described as the gains of the eight-year negotiation (2017–2025).

ASUU also faulted the Federal Government’s proposed National Research Council and the Minister of Education’s announcement of a National Research and Innovation Development Fund.

It said the proposal did not align with the provisions of the 2025 agreement, which recommends “at least 1 per cent of GDP” as funding for research, innovation and development.

The union questioned the proposed $500 million funding structure and its source, expressing concern over possible external borrowing.

On welfare matters, ASUU said several issues remained unresolved, including salary arrears, promotion arrears, unremitted deductions, salary shortfalls under the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System, and withheld salaries from the 2022 strike.

It also criticised delays in pension payments for retired lecturers, particularly in state universities, and accused the National Pension Commission of delaying benefit harmonisation.

The union called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as Visitor to federal universities, to intervene and address the outstanding welfare concerns.

ASUU also opposed the reversal of the mother-tongue policy in early childhood education, describing it as retrogressive.

It rejected the proposed establishment of a Coventry University campus in Nigeria under a transnational education arrangement, describing it as a move that could undermine local tertiary institutions.

The union also faulted compulsory enrolment of academics into the Nigeria Education Repository Databank, describing it as a violation of academic autonomy and data protection laws.

ASUU further criticised plans to scrap some university courses considered “irrelevant”, arguing that humanities and social sciences remain essential for developing critical thinking and innovation.

The union also raised concerns over governance in universities, alleging cases of maladministration and questionable academic appointments.

It warned against what it described as increasing political tension, insecurity, and economic hardship in the country ahead of the 2027 general elections.

ASUU cautioned that continued neglect of lecturers’ welfare could trigger a fresh industrial action, noting that frustration among members was rising.

It urged Nigerians to prevail on governments at all levels to fully implement the agreement and resolve outstanding issues, adding that NEC would reconvene in the coming weeks to review developments and take further action if necessary.

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The Federal Government has declared that any admission conducted outside the Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS) is illegal, warning tertiary institutions across the country that violations of approved admission procedures will attract sanctions.

The Minister of Education, Maruf Alausa, issued the warning on Monday at the 2026 Policy Meeting on Admissions to Tertiary Institutions held in Abuja, stressing that institutions operating parallel admission processes would no longer be recognised by the government.

He said the integrity of the admissions system remained central to restoring trust in Nigeria’s tertiary education framework, adding that the era of unregulated practices must end.

“Let me reiterate, without equivocation, that admissions conducted outside this framework are illegal and will not be recognised,” Alausa said.

He warned that institutions that continued to bypass the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board’s CAPS platform risked severe consequences.

“The era in which institutions operated parallel admission systems, often to the detriment of deserving candidates, must come to an end,” he added.

The minister further cautioned that the Federal Government would not tolerate any breach of admission regulations, noting that erring institutions would be held accountable.

“I have resisted many attempts at condoning illegality in the admissions process. I will not be a party to such actions.

“Any institution found to have conducted admissions outside the CAPS will be held accountable, and appropriate sanctions shall be applied without hesitation,” he stated.

According to him, heads of institutions in both public and private sectors must be aware that such breaches could attract serious penalties, including regulatory action.

“Heads of institutions, whether in the public or private sector, must recognise that such violations could result in severe consequences, including the suspension of operating licences or other regulatory actions, where applicable,” Alausa warned.

He emphasised that enforcement of the policy was not intended to be punitive but necessary to restore credibility and order in the system.

“Government will continue to enforce compliance with this policy, and appropriate sanctions will be applied where necessary. This is not a punitive measure; it is a necessary step towards restoring order and credibility in the system,” he said.

On admission age, the minister announced that the Federal Government had retained 16 years as the minimum age for entry into tertiary institutions.

“Following extensive consultations and policy reviews, the government has maintained sixteen (16) years as the minimum age for admission into tertiary institutions,” he said.

He explained that the decision reflected a balance between academic readiness and inclusivity, while noting that exceptional cases would be handled under strict guidelines.

“While we recognise the existence of exceptionally gifted individuals, such cases must be treated within clearly defined and rigorously enforced guidelines,” he added.

Alausa also commended JAMB for improving access for persons with disabilities, including waivers of application fees, describing the initiative as a step toward equity.

“This initiative is not only humane but also a powerful affirmation of our national commitment to equity and equal opportunity,” he said.

He further highlighted reforms in the education sector, including the implementation of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund to remove financial barriers to higher education.

“For decades, financial constraints have constituted a significant barrier for many capable young Nigerians,” he noted.

He said the interest-free loan scheme covering tuition and upkeep was a strategic investment in national development.

On transparency, he insisted that tertiary institutions must publish key operational data, including enrolment figures and financial allocations, to strengthen accountability.

Public universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education must operate with openness that reflects their public mandate,” he said.

Alausa also underscored the government’s push for digitalisation in education, including the adoption of computer-based testing and integration of emerging technologies in curricula.

He described the 2025 agreement with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) as a turning point, aimed at improving welfare, funding, and institutional stability.

“The 2025 Agreement represents a decisive breakthrough in resolving a dispute that had persisted for many years,” he said.

He added that the reforms were designed to ensure uninterrupted academic calendars and restore confidence in public universities.

The minister also warned against examination malpractice, saying stricter verification systems were being introduced to protect the credibility of certificates.

“The credibility of our certificates depends on the integrity of the processes through which they are earned,” he said.

Alausa urged stakeholders to prioritise implementation over policy announcements, stressing that reforms would only succeed through execution.

“For too long, our sector has been characterised by well-articulated policies that fail to translate into tangible outcomes,” he said.

He called on participants at the policy meeting to uphold integrity, noting that the future of millions of Nigerian students depended on fair and efficient admissions processes.

“The decisions we take here will have far-reaching implications for millions of young Nigerians,” he said.

The minister reiterated the government’s commitment to building a tertiary education system that is inclusive, merit-driven, and globally competitive, before formally declaring the meeting open.

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The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has announced that candidates seeking admission into Education programmes and Agriculture-related non-engineering courses in College of Education and Polytechnics will no longer be required to sit for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination.

The board disclosed this in a post shared on its official X handle on Monday during its ongoing policy meeting on admissions.

“Candidates seeking admissions into Education Programmes and Agriculture non-Engineering Courses are now exempted from UTME,” the board stated.

At the 2026 Policy Meeting on Admissions to Tertiary Institutions held in Abuja, Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, announced that candidates seeking admission into National Certificate in Education programmes would no longer be required to sit the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination if they possess the required qualifications.

Alausa declared, “Candidates seeking admission into the NCE programme, who possess a minimum of four credit passes, will no longer be required to sit for the UTME.”

He, however, stressed that such candidates must still register with the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board.

“However, it is imperative to emphasise that such candidates shall mandatorily register with JAMB, and their credentials shall be duly screened, verified, and certified for the issuance of admission letters through CAPS, in accordance with extant regulations,” the minister stated.

Alausa said the exemption would also apply to candidates seeking admission into National Diploma programmes in non-technology agricultural and agriculture-related courses.

Alausa noted, “This exemption shall extend to candidates seeking admission into National Diploma programmes in non-technology agricultural and agriculture-related courses.”

According to him, the policy is aimed at expanding access to tertiary education while maintaining admission standards.

“This approach strikes a necessary balance between widening access and preserving the integrity of our admission system.

“It will not only ease the pressure associated with UTME but also encourage greater participation in teacher education and agricultural programmes, both of which are critical to national development,” he added

The development marks a significant shift in Nigeria’s tertiary admission process, as the UTME has traditionally served as the standard entrance examination for admission into universities, polytechnics and colleges of education across the country.

The annual policy meeting organised by JAMB is usually convened to determine admission guidelines, including cut-off marks and other procedures for tertiary institutions.

The move is expected to affect candidates seeking admission into education-related courses and agriculture programmes outside engineering disciplines, potentially creating alternative admission pathways through institutional screening and other qualifications.

In recent years, courses in Education and Agriculture have generally attracted lower cut-off marks compared to highly competitive programmes such as Medicine, Law and Engineering.

PUNCH Online had earlier reported that JAMB was expected to decide the 2026 UTME cut-off marks during Monday’s policy meeting.