Dakwom Makpring Longgul writes from JOS, NIGERIA

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) is sounding the alarm, warning of a potential nationwide strike if the government does not address their long-standing demands.

At a press conference held at the University of Jos, ASUU President Christopher Piwuna criticized the government’s inaction and neglect of the university system, stating that trust had been “destroyed.”The union has given the government an ultimatum, saying that the outcome of a meeting scheduled for August 28 will determine whether lecturers proceed with a strike.

ASUU members across the country are already preparing for a protest rally next week, which the union president described as a “first shot at government.”Unresolved Issues

ASUU’s key demands center on the full implementation of a 2009 agreement with the Federal Government. The union is frustrated by what it calls “delay tactics” and a lack of commitment from the government on several critical issues: * Salary and Benefits:

ASUU is demanding the payment of outstanding salaries and promotions, some of which have been delayed for over four years. The union also rejected a government proposal for a “Tertiary Institutions Staff Support Fund” (TISSF), which would provide loans to staff.

ASUU called the loan scheme a “poison chalice” and argued that it would only deepen their members’ debt.

University Funding: The union is calling for a sustainable funding model for Nigerian universities and the revitalization of the sector.

ASUU criticized the government’s continued creation of new universities, even while it claims to have placed a moratorium on their establishment.

The union argues that this proliferation of universities spreads resources thin and compromises quality.

Pension Reform: ASUU expressed outrage over the meager pensions received by retired professors and other university staff.

According to the union, some retired academics who have served for over 40 years are now receiving as little as N150,000 per month, which they say is “unacceptable and cruel” given the current economic climate.

A Call to Action Piwuna noted that the union has been patient for over two and a half years without striking, but their “tanks are empty.”

He urged well-meaning Nigerians, including religious leaders, traditional institutions, and the National Assembly, to intervene and advise the government to meet their demands.”We will no longer tolerate a situation where those who fought for the sustenance of the universities will be treated with such disdain,” Piwuna stated.

He concluded by reiterating that it is the government that “has consistently pushed our union to embark on a strike action, and it is clear that ASUU may have no other option.”

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versity Lecturers Threaten Strike, Blast Government