The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has called on the Federal Government to show genuine commitment to resolving all outstanding issues in the nation’s university system, warning that continued neglect of education threatens the future of Nigerian youths.
In a statement issued at the end of its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held at Taraba State University, Jalingo, and signed by its President, Prof. Christopher Piwuna, the union criticised government’s “back and forth” approach to negotiations, describing it as a major setback to progress in the sector.
“Government must stop paying lip service to education. The surest way to protect the future of our country is to invest in education,” Piwuna said.
He recalled that ASUU suspended its one-month warning strike in October out of respect for students, parents, and well-meaning Nigerians who appealed for dialogue, expressing disappointment that government had not acted with sincerity.
“We suspended the strike in good faith, believing that one month was enough to conclude renegotiations if government acted sincerely. Unfortunately, that faith is being tested,” he stated.
Piwuna described the proposed salary increase for lecturers as “a drop in the ocean,” saying it falls short of addressing the challenges of brain drain and declining staff morale.
“What we need is a living wage that reflects the dignity of academic labour. Anything less will continue to push our best brains out of the country,” he added.
He faulted the government’s treatment of education as a commercial commodity, stressing that it should instead be viewed as a public good essential for national development.
“Education should not be treated as a business venture. It is a social investment that guarantees sustainable development,” he said.
ASUU urged the government to use the remaining days of the one-month suspension to conclude negotiations and implement agreements in good faith.
Piwuna also appealed to traditional rulers, labour unions, students, and civil society groups to continue pressing government to honour its commitments.
“Our call is simple: prioritise education, honour agreements, and protect the future of this nation,” he said.
