ASUU Warns of Looming Industrial Crisis in Nigerian Universities

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has issued a stern warning to the Federal and State Governments, urging them to address long-standing issues in Nigeria's public universities to prevent an impending industrial crisis.

The union expressed deep frustration over unfulfilled agreements, poor funding, and worsening staff welfare, which have pushed lecturers to the brink.

ASUU is seeking the full implementation of signed agreements, particularly the 2009 FGN-ASUU Agreement, which has been stalled despite a draft agreement being submitted to the government in December 2024.

If the government fails to address these issues, ASUU warned that a nationwide strike may be imminent, disrupting academic activities across the country. The union lamented that lecturers are teaching on "empty stomachs" and conducting research without access to essential resources, while facing mounting personal expenses .

The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, had recently expressed optimism that strikes in tertiary institutions were a thing of the past, citing dialogue and good relationships with union heads. However, ASUU insists that genuine action, not just words, is needed to resolve the crisis .