Prioritize Education, Honor Pacts, ASUU Tells FG

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Sokoto region, has cautioned the federal government to take immediate action or face a pote...

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Sokoto region, has cautioned the federal government to take immediate action or face a potential resurgence of instability in Nigeria's public universities.

Comprising a coalition of nine institutions, including Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto (UDUS), Umaru Musa Yar'Adua University (UMYU), Abdullahi Fodiyo University of Science and Technology Aliero (AFUSTA), Sokoto State University (SSU), Federal University Dutsin-Ma (FUDMA), Federal University Birnin Kebbi (FUBK), Federal University Gusau (FUG), Shehu Shagari University of Education Sokoto (SSUES), and Federal University of Agriculture Zuru (FUAZ), the Zonal Coordinator of ASUU, Prof. Abubakar Sabo, launched the event with a key slogan during a press conference in Sokoto yesterday, calling on the government to act quickly to prevent industrial unrest.

Professor Sabo stated that the ASUU National Executive Council (NEC) convened at Taraba State University, Jalingo, on November 8 and 9, 2025, during which they were updated on the most recent proposals from the federal government's negotiation team.

The NEC voiced "serious concern" regarding the government's erratic stance, cautioning that such actions might lead to "severe repercussions."

He remembered that during an emergency NEC meeting on October 21, 2025, the union decided that while the government's proposals were "clearly insufficient," the strike had partially met its goals. As a result, the NEC put the warning strike on hold as a mutual gesture, allowing a one-month period for further discussions under the assumption that the government would act honestly. "We hope this chance will be utilized to reach a quick and thorough solution," said Prof. Sabo.

The regional coordinator presented three main requests. First, the government should focus on education, boosting financial support and safeguarding the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), which covers approximately 90 percent of university facilities.

Secondly, it is essential to uphold current agreements, such as addressing outstanding promotion arrears that date back to 2017, releasing overdue third-party deductions, and adhering to the one-month deadline. Third, officials should prevent a crisis by stopping the establishment of new state universities unless they are fully funded, and by financing the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) through means other than TETFund.

Professor Sabo then pointed out issues specific to the institution. Shehu Shagari University of Education, Sokoto (SSUES) has functioned without a legally established governing council, resulting in excessive interference.

Sokoto State University (SSU) has remained affected by unpaid third-party and union deductions, as well as outstanding promotion and Earned Academic Allowance (EAA) arrears. Abdullahi Fodiyo University of Science and Technology, Aliero (AFUSTA), located in Kebbi State, is dealing with the failure to implement and pay promotion and EAA arrears, along with other governance challenges. Umaru Musa Yar'Adua University (UMYU), situated in Katsina State, is experiencing the non-payment of salaries according to the approved scale and an attempted external takeover of its portal, which goes against university regulations. Federal University Gusau (FUG), in Zamfara State, and Federal University Birnin-Kebbi, in Kebbi State, have been functioning without enabling laws since they were established in 2013. The Federal University of Agriculture, Zuru (FUAZ), in Kebbi State, is the only university in Nigeria that was set up and started operations without a take-off grant.

In contrast to assertions of financial limitations, Prof. Sabo highlighted that states were allocated ₦3.92 trillion by the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) in 2022 and ₦5.81 trillion in 2024—a rise of more than 62 percent. The federal government's portion increased from ₦3.42 trillion in 2022 to ₦4.65 trillion in 2024, marking a growth of over 70 percent. "These numbers indicate that the real issue in the renegotiation is the absence of political will, not insufficient funding," he stated.

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) urged traditional leaders, community figures, students, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), and non-governmental organisations to keep pressuring the government to fulfill its commitments, focus on education, and ensure academic staff receive a decent salary.

The union promised to continue its dedication to positive dialogue, while cautioning that the remaining days within the one-month period should be utilized carefully to achieve a comprehensive agreement that enhances the living and working conditions of academic staff.

" The battle persists!" Professor Sabo stated, calling on the government to act with sincerity, address unresolved matters quickly, and prevent a new crisis in Nigeria's public universities.

The deadline for a solution is rapidly approaching, with stakeholders throughout the nation waiting for the government's reply.

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