The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has raised concerns that Nigeria’s public university system may face another round of industrial action if governments fail to fully implement the December 2025 agreement. At the end of its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held at Modibbo Adama University, Yola, on May 9 and 10, 2026, ASUU expressed dissatisfaction with what it described as the “distorted and uncoordinated” implementation of the agreement signed with the Federal Government.
ASUU President, Chris Piwuna, said the union had maintained “a studied silence” since the signing and public presentation of the agreement in January 2026. He explained that the NEC meeting was convened to review the implementation process and unresolved issues affecting lecturers.
Implementation Failures and Selective Compliance
The union blamed the situation on the failure to inaugurate the Implementation Monitoring Committee, which was meant to ensure proper execution of the agreement. According to ASUU, federal and state authorities have implemented the agreement in a “distorted and uncoordinated manner”, with only a few states complying. It accused administrators of federal universities of selectively implementing allowances such as Consolidated Academic Allowances, Earned Academic Allowances, and Professorial Allowances, which should have been integrated into the Consolidated Academic Salary Structure.
Research Funding Dispute
ASUU faulted the Federal Government’s proposed National Research Council and the Minister of Education’s announcement of a National Research and Innovation Development Fund. The union argued that the proposal did not align with the 2025 agreement, which recommends “at least 1 per cent of GDP” for research, innovation, and development. It also questioned the proposed $500 million funding structure, raising concerns about possible external borrowing.
Lecturers’ Welfare Still Unresolved
On welfare matters, ASUU highlighted unresolved issues including:
- Salary arrears and promotion arrears
- Unremitted deductions and salary shortfalls under IPPIS
- Withheld salaries from the 2022 strike
- Delayed pension payments for retired lecturers, especially in state universities
The union accused the National Pension Commission of delaying benefit harmonisation.
Education Policy Criticism
ASUU opposed the reversal of the mother-tongue policy in early childhood education, describing it as retrogressive. It also rejected the proposed establishment of a Coventry University campus in Nigeria, warning that it could undermine local institutions. The union further criticised compulsory enrolment of academics into the Nigeria Education Repository Databank, calling it a violation of academic autonomy and data protection laws. It also faulted plans to scrap certain university courses deemed “irrelevant”, stressing that humanities and social sciences remain vital for critical thinking and innovation.
Governance and Political Tension
ASUU raised concerns about governance in universities, alleging maladministration and questionable academic appointments. It also warned against rising political tension, insecurity, and economic hardship ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Possible Strike Looms
The union cautioned that continued neglect of lecturers’ welfare could trigger fresh industrial action, noting that frustration among members was rising. It urged Nigerians to prevail on governments at all levels to fully implement the agreement and resolve outstanding issues. ASUU confirmed that its NEC would reconvene in the coming weeks to review developments and decide on further action.
