ASUU Says FG Loan Scheme ‘Attack On Salaries,’ Threatens Strike

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has appealed to well-meaning Nigerians, including the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC), National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Traditional Institutions, and the National Assembly, to advise the Federal Government (FG) not to “stampede” the union into a strike action.

In a statement signed by ASUU President Christopher Piwuna following a press conference at the University of Jos on Thursday, August 21, 2025, the union expressed appreciation for over two years of no strike but added that “our tanks are empty and we cannot continue this journey.”

ASUU highlighted key issues needing resolution, including the re-negotiation of the 2009 ASUU-FGN Agreement, sustainable funding of universities, revitalization of universities, and addressing victimisation in certain colleges.

“Regrettably, we are here today to inform the Nigerian public, through you, that these undisputed issues could lead to a crisis in our educational sector, as with other consequences, nothing but the same response.

“Re-negotiating the 2009 Agreement: Since the submission of the Alh. Yayale Ahmed Report in February 2025, it has remained on the shelf until our meeting of 11th August 2025. This is clearly troubling for our members, as it indicates governments attempt to jettison the Collective Bargaining Principle. Nigeria, as a signatory to the ILO Convention, and an acclaimed leader in Africa, with bogus government representation at ILO meetings, cannot disregard one of the core principles of the organization “CBA”.

“We therefore wish to caution the government to return to this principle in addressing the issues in our draft agreement. NEC considered and acknowledged the planned government meeting of 28th August 2025. We would like to state for the untempt time that “Time is Running 0ut” , and for the avoidance of doubt, this draft document addresses issues like conditions of service, university autonomy, academic freedom, funding of the universities and review of laws governing JAMB, NUC.

“At the Usmanu Dan Fodio University NEC meeting, the Union frowned at the delay tactics by the government and urged our members to be patient for the outcome of the meeting by the government. However, with the attack on our salaries by the introduction of loans for staff, the Union is prepared for all options at the next meeting to be convened as soon as we get feedback on the meeting convened by the minister of education. NEC will, therefore, be decisive on the outcome of the meeting.

“ We are determined to end the pronouncements by the government claiming commitment to sound university education and fidelity to collective agreement. Trust has been destroyed by the government, it is, therefore, up to them to regain it to avert any strike,” the statement said.

On Tertiary Institution Staff Support Fund (TISSF), ASUU stated that it has considered the policy of the government and decisively rejected the proposition requesting ASUU to write a letter for its members to access the loan.

“Our members do not lack where to find loans; indeed, they are already deep in debt from such loans. What we need now is for the government to sign our renegotiated agreement, which will improve our purchasing power and decrease our reliance on debts from cooperative societies.

“We considered it a poison chalice and redirected members to ask our employers, the Governing Councils, through Vice Chancellors to “guarantee” the loan. It is needless to add that this government is still owing our members 3½ months’ salaries for work done. The government should use the money set aside for the loans to defray our withheld salaries. Members are advised to stay away from the loan and focus on our legitimate entitlements because it is a bait.

“This loan will incapacitate university-based cooperatives societies, and perpetual enslavement of our members. The obvious implication is that after deducting the union dues, NHIS, pension contribution, and maybe your co-operative deductions nothing would be left for the family. How can the government ask us to take a loan to pay for our health, pay for the school fees of our children?,” the statement said.

The Union stated that following its meeting of 16th and 17th August, 2025, it has resolved to give the Federal Government time to address the pending issues and get back to its members after their meeting of August 28.

“This meeting will inform the Union of further steps in addressing our demands, and calming our membership after over 2 years of waiting,” ASUU threatened.

The Union appreciated its members for their patience with leadership, against their overwhelming vote to embark on an action and announced a rally across campuses next week as a “first shot” at signaling further actions if demands aren’t met.

“ We want to call on our members to come out enmasse to participate in the rally across our campuses next week. This rally will be the first shot at the government, and it will signal many other things to come. We reassure members that we will act without let or hindrance in addressing the challenges ahead,” the statement said.

ASUU Says FG Loan Scheme ‘Attack On Salaries,’ Threatens Strike is first published on The Whistler Newspaper