No more talks without trust
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has issued a strong warning to the Federal Government: don’t call us to another meeting unless you’re ready to commit to action.
Speaking at Moses Adasu University (formerly Benue State University) in Makurdi, ASUU Nsukka Zonal Coordinator, Dr. Christian Opata, said the union is tired of what it calls the government’s “nauseating” habit of holding talks that lead nowhere.
“Each time, the government brazenly and unashamedly jettisons agreements,” Opata said.
Over a decade of broken promises
According to ASUU, the same unresolved issues have been on the table for over 10 years. Despite multiple meetings, signed agreements, and several government-appointed negotiation committees, little to no progress has been made.
The union said it’s reaching a breaking point.
“A huge storm is gathering. If unchecked, it will lead to a crisis of unquantifiable magnitude,” Opata warned.
What ASUU wants
The list of grievances is long, but some key issues include:
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Renegotiation of the 2009 ASUU-FG Agreement
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Loss of university autonomy and breach of collective bargaining
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Unpaid salaries and promotion arrears
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Withheld third-party deductions
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Non-payment of the promised 25–35% wage increase
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Neglect of funding for public universities
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Controversial loan schemes like the Tertiary Institution Staff Support Fund (TISSF)
ASUU also slammed the government’s habit of forming committees—like those led by Wale Babalakin, Munzali Jibril, Nimi Briggs, and Yayale Ahmed—only to ignore their recommendations.
“We’re almost losing count of how many MoUs and MoAs we’ve signed,” ASUU noted.
Enough talk—show action
The union said that unless the government begins showing real commitment to previous agreements, it may start rejecting meeting invitations altogether.
“We may be forced not to honour any meeting they summon until they show commitment. A stitch in time, they say, saves nine.”
ASUU’s message is clear: the patience is running out, and the stakes—for universities, students, and the entire education system—are high.
