The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has issued a stern warning to the federal government to implement the newly approved salary structure for university lecturers within a four-day timeframe. Failure to comply with this ultimatum will result in a nationwide shutdown of public universities.
ASUU President Christopher Piwuna made this announcement at a public lecture in Bauchi. He emphasized the need for immediate payment under the new salary arrangement. The union has been pushing for better welfare for lecturers, and the renegotiated agreement with the government in January aimed to address long-standing disputes and prevent recurring strikes.
The agreement centered on a revised salary structure to improve lecturers' welfare and resolve issues stemming from the 2009 FG-ASUU pact. Many federal universities are struggling to pay salaries, with some unable to fully pay January wages and others yet to pay for February.
The union notes that the delay in implementing the new pay structure is due to practical challenges, including the slow passage of the 2026 national budget.
The federal government's delay in implementing the new salary structure for university lecturers is a clear indication of its lack of commitment to the welfare of Nigeria's academia. Christopher Piwuna's ultimatum is a direct result of the government's failure to honour the renegotiated agreement signed in January. This move will have far-reaching consequences for the country's education sector, affecting not just students but also the broader economy. The slow passage of the national budget is a recurring theme in Nigeria's governance, and it's high time the government prioritizes the timely implementation of essential projects and policies.
