The honeymoon between the Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) appears to be over as the union has vehemently rejected the proposed Tertiary Institutions Staff Support Fund (TISSF), a loan scheme aimed at all staff of tertiary institutions, with academic lecturers expected to take the lead.
Describing the initiative as a “poisoned chalice,” ASUU insisted that what its members need is improved wages through the renegotiated 2009 ASUU-FGN Agreement, not additional debts. The union warned that it may be forced to embark on industrial action if the government continues to ignore outstanding challenges in the nation’s university system.
Speaking at a press conference on Thursday at the University of Jos, ASUU President Professor Christopher Piwuna said the union had been “pushed to the wall” after more than two years of patience without results.
“Our members do not lack where to find loans; indeed, they are already deep in debt. This loan will incapacitate cooperative societies and enslave our members. After deductions, nothing would be left for families. How can the government ask us to take loans to pay for our health and our children’s education?” Piwuna asked.
He accused the government of deliberate delay in renegotiating the 2009 ASUU-FGN Agreement, addressing outstanding salary arrears, and implementing measures to revitalise universities.
“Trust has been destroyed by government. It is, therefore, up to them to regain it to avert any strike,”he said.
The union also expressed concern that the government has failed to act on the recommendations of the Alhaji Yayale Ahmed Report submitted in February 2025, undermining collective bargaining principles to which Nigeria is committed as a signatory to the International Labour Organisation (ILO) Convention.
While acknowledging a planned government meeting on 28 August, ASUU warned that time was running out. The draft agreement, it noted, covers key issues including conditions of service, university autonomy, academic freedom, funding, and the review of laws governing JAMB and NUC.
The union also criticised the unchecked establishment of universities, accusing successive governments of using them for political patronage rather than as genuine centres of learning. ASUU urged the government to extend its moratorium on new public universities to private institutions, warning that the current trend will further erode quality and global rankings.
Highlighting the plight of retired professors and lecturers under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS), the union said many who served for decades are left with as little as ₦150,000 monthly in a harsh economic environment.
“This situation is cruel and unacceptable. Our retired colleagues are battling chronic illnesses and caring for dependents with meagre pensions. Government must reverse this ugly trend,”ASUU declared.
“We cannot continue this journey with empty tanks. If the government fails to act, ASUU will have no choice but to embark on action to defend public university education,”Piwuna warned.
Reiterating its demands—including renegotiation of the 2009 Agreement, revitalisation of universities, sustainable funding, and an end to the victimisation of members—ASUU stressed that the ball is in the government’s court.
“The general public should note that ASUU has tried every possible means to resolve these issues amicably. It is the federal government that has consistently pushed our union to the edge. If a strike happens, Nigerians should know who to hold responsible,” Piwuna concluded.
Kuni Tyessi
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