By Oyinkansayo Wole-Bodunde.
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has called on the Federal Government to put education first and secure Nigerian youth’s future by showing real dedication to resolving every unresolved matter in the University system.
This was mentioned in a statement released at the end of the union’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting at Taraba State University, Jalingo, signed by ASUU President Prof. Christopher Piwuna.
Prof. Christopher Piwuna said that the government’s back and forth negotiation style has kept dragging progress. He warned that such hesitation could badly harm the nation’s education outlook. He said, “Government must stop paying lip service to education. The surest way to protect the future of our country is to invest in education.”
He also reminded that ASUU had called off its one‑month warning strike in October out of consideration for students, parents, and concerned Nigerians who pleaded for dialogue. He said, “We suspended the strike in good faith, believing that one month was enough to conclude renegotiations if government acted with sincerity. Unfortunately, that faith is being tested.” He said the government’s proposed salary increase is insignificant, and stressed that it is little to stop brain drain and falling morale among university lecturers. He said, “What we need is a living wage that reflects the dignity of academic labour. Anything less will continue to push our best brains out of the country.”
The ASUU president also criticized the view of education as a commercial product instead of a public good essential for national development. He said, “Education should not be treated as a business venture. It is a social investment that guarantees sustainable development.” He urged the government to use the remaining days of the one‑month window to finalize all pending negotiations and implement agreements fairly and transparently. He also asked traditional rulers, labour unions, students, and civil society groups to keep pressuring the government to do what is right for education, saying, “Our call is simple, prioritise education, honour agreements, and protect the future of this nation.”
