The Owerri Zone Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has expressed deep dissatisfaction with the Federal Government’s handling of public education in Nigeria, emphasizing that it must transition from mere verbal commitments to substantial action. Dennis Aribodor, the zonal coordinator, highlighted the severe underfunding of universities, likening the treatment of lecturers to that of “16th century slaves.” During a press conference in Owerri, Imo State, he announced that if the government fails to address pressing welfare issues within two weeks, ASUU will initiate a nationwide shutdown of universities. This ultimatum stems from a meeting of ASUU’s National Executive Council, reinforcing the urgency for the Federal Government to take meaningful steps to resolve ongoing conflicts affecting public universities.
The union is particularly concerned about several critical issues that remain unresolved. Among these, the finalization of the renegotiated 2009 Agreement between the Federal Government and ASUU, as proposed by the Nimi Briggs Committee, stands out as a primary demand. Other pressing matters include the resolution of withheld salaries, especially those related to strikes, as well as the release of payments owed to staff on various appointments. Additional issues involve necessary funding for the revitalization of universities, payment of Earned Academic Allowances, and the implementation of a more accountable payment platform that ASUU has developed, which is seen as superior to the existing Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS).
ASUU’s leadership lamented the government’s history of not following through on previously agreed terms, particularly criticizing the lack of urgency to renegotiate the FGN-ASUU Agreement, which has remained unresolved for over seven years. This inactivity has led to a series of crises within public universities, with the government’s sporadic wage adjustments failing to address the core issues stemming from the original agreement. The union has been explicit in its demand that mere wage increases cannot substitute for a complete and satisfactory resolution of the contractual agreement which governs the relationship between the lecturers and the government.
The union also expressed deep concerns regarding the government’s continuous neglect of non-monetary demands, including the removal of universities from the problematic IPPIS system, despite directives from the president and directives from the judiciary. ASUU argues that their alternative solution, the University Transparency and Accountability Solution (UTAS), has been disregarded, despite its benefits over IPPIS. Furthermore, the government’s inconsistency in amending the National Universities Commission Act to curb the proliferation of universities, when it has the capacity to do so, has been labeled as hypocritical and showcases a willingness to prioritize political interests over quality education.
There is a prevailing sentiment among ASUU members that the government’s refusal to engage meaningfully with the issues at hand stems from a lack of political will rather than a shortage of funds. With substantial revenue inflows resulting from recent economic changes, ASUU argues that the government’s claims of financial incapacity are unfounded and merely a facade for neglecting the educational sector. The history of stalled negotiations between ASUU and the government reflects a pattern of bureaucratic inertia, which ASUU contends worsens the state of public education.
Conclusively, ASUU affirms its commitment to dialogue and collaborative problem-solving, adhering to international labor standards for resolving conflicts. The union has reached out to various stakeholders, including political leaders and community members, to advocate for a resolution that supports the infrastructure of Nigeria’s public universities. The current situation calls for urgent action from the Federal Government to address these issues within the newly set 14-day period; otherwise, ASUU warns of the potential for further unrest in the university system. The implications of such a crisis could be profound for the future of education in Nigeria, prompting ASUU to call upon state governments to prioritize the welfare of educators and to foster a conducive environment for academic growth and integrity.
