ASUU Backs Halt on New Universities, Demands Return to 2009 Agreement

By IDNN Education Desk

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has applauded the Federal Government’s decision to halt the proliferation of new public universities, describing it as consistent with its long-standing warnings about “mushroom institutions” with no sustainable funding.

Speaking in Sokoto, Zonal Coordinator Prof. Abubakar Sabo said the policy reflects ASUU’s decade-long advocacy for consolidation instead of expansion.

“For over ten years, we warned about the harmful effects of establishing universities without clear development plans. The revelation that more than 30 universities had zero subscription for admission only proves our position right,” he said.

However, Sabo stressed that the moratorium alone was not enough. He urged the Federal Government to return to renegotiation of the 2009 ASUU-FGN agreement, which covers lecturers’ salaries, conditions of service, university autonomy, academic freedom, and sustainable funding.

He also highlighted the plight of retired lecturers under the contributory pension scheme, noting many now survive on as little as ₦150,000 monthly despite decades of service.

“Our retired colleagues are suffering under galloping inflation, high electricity tariffs, and rising costs of food and medication. It is cruel and unacceptable,” Sabo said.

The union’s renewed pressure comes amid ongoing friction with government officials. Education Minister Tunji Alausa recently insisted that no binding agreements had been signed with ASUU, calling previous documents “drafts.”

ASUU President Prof. Chris Piwuna countered that the government’s stance revealed poor record-keeping and disregard for commitments.

Meanwhile, government has released ₦50 billion in earned academic allowances this year, but ASUU insists broader reforms must be implemented to restore credibility to Nigeria’s higher education sector.

The union warned that patience is running thin and hinted that further industrial action could follow if its demands remain unmet.

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Graphic Caption:
ASUU leaders demand return to 2009 agreement as they back FG’s moratorium on new public universities.

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