Dakwom Makpring Longgul. Reports from Jos.
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has raised a grave alarm over the deteriorating conditions within Nigeria’s tertiary education sector. Following its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held on August 8th and 9th, 2026, at the University of Abuja.
The union issued a stern warning regarding rising political violence, unfulfilled financial obligations, and the haphazard implementation of collective agreements.
In a press conference held in Jos, ASUU president, Professor Chris Piwuna expressed deep concern over the broader socio-political and economic climate in the country.
The NEC noted that persistent political violence, accusations among political actors, and pre-election friction continue to undermine democratic gains, economic stabilization efforts, and national security.
According to the union, these existential threats directly impact the working and living conditions of the Nigerian populace, with academics bearing a heavy burden under the prevailing socio-economic environment.
A primary point of contention remains the unresolved balance of withheld salaries. While the union previously commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for paying four out of the seven-and-a-half months’ salaries withheld during the 2022 strike, ASUU stated that the government has since turned its back on settling the remaining three-and-a-half months.
“The repeated union’s arguments that its members made extraordinary sacrifice to cover the lost ground during the provoked-strike action… appear to have fallen on deaf ears,”
the statement read, emphasizing that paying these arrears is vital for sustaining industrial peace.Additionally, the union condemned the continuous delay in paying the 25/35% wage award and long-overdue promotion arrears across both federal and state institutions.
The NEC highlighted serious flaws in how governments are handling the landmark December 2025 FGN-ASUU Agreement. Intended to restore stability to the Nigerian University System (NUS), the agreement’s execution has instead been described as “haphazard”:Federal Universities: Federal Universities of Agriculture have reportedly been largely excluded from implementation, while Vice-Chancellors at other federal institutions struggle due to non-funding of monthly salary bills.State Universities: Only an estimated 10% or fewer of state governors have endorsed the new salary package.
ASUU also accused governors for passing financial obligations to Governing Councils that lack the necessary funding backing.
ASUU NEC resolved to grant several university chapters permission to initiate industrial action after meeting internal requirements.Institutions greenlit for varying degrees of strike action include:Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK)Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai (IBBUL)University of Medical Sciences, Ondo (UNIMEDO)Gombe State University (GSU)Plateau State University (PLASU), Bokkos Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba (AAUA)Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma (AAUE)Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology (OAUSTECH), Okitipupa Abia State University (ABSU), Uturu University of Education and Entrepreneurship (UEE), Akamkpa Emmanuel Alayande University of Education (EAUED), Indiana State University (KASU), Kaduna Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology (ADUSTECH, formerly KUST), Wudil Northwest University ASUU concluded its declaration by reiterating that it will utilize all legitimate, lawful means to compel both federal and state authorities to respect signed commitments and preserve the integrity of higher education in Nigeria.
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