The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has declared that 2025 could be marked by a prolonged confrontation with the Federal Government if pressing issues in the education sector remain unaddressed. In a strongly worded statement, the union decried the government’s neglect of public universities and accused it of offering superficial solutions to deep-rooted problems.
According to Prof. Ayo Akinwole, Chairman of ASUU’s Ibadan chapter, the uninterrupted academic calendar in 2024 was due solely to the sacrifices of union members, not government intervention. He criticized the Federal Government for failing to act on multiple agreements, including those related to the revitalization of public universities, payment of withheld salaries, and implementation of a more effective payment system.
The union highlighted that unresolved issues such as non-payment of Earned Academic Allowances and the delay in renegotiating the 2009 ASUU-FGN Agreement have fueled dissatisfaction. Akinwole warned that without visible efforts to address these grievances, Nigeria’s university system could face another crippling crisis.
ASUU also condemned recent policy moves, including the proposed elimination of education tax in favor of a development levy, which would drastically reduce funding for tertiary institutions. The union expressed concern over the dwindling budgetary allocation to education, which remains far below international benchmarks.
The attack on TETFund and the inadequate funding of public universities are attempts to destroy Nigeria’s already fragile education sector, Akinwole stated. The Federal Government must reverse this downward spiral and prioritize education as a cornerstone of national development.
The union’s position has reignited public discourse on the state of education in Nigeria, with many stakeholders urging the government to take decisive action. With 2025 shaping up to be a pivotal year, ASUU has called on its members to remain vigilant and prepare for potential challenges ahead.