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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