Pay Salary Backlog Or Forget Unfinished Academic Sessions, ASUU Tells FG
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has reiterated its demand for the payment of outstanding salaries to university lecturers, stressing that without this, unfinished academic sessions should be considered void.
Professor Emmanuel Osodeke, President of ASUU, made the remarks during an interview on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily. He explained that despite public universities being shut since February, lecturers must be paid because they are required to teach and make up for lost time once the strike ends.
ASUU’s Position on Academic Backlogs
Professor Osodeke stated:
“If we agree on that, the lectures we should have delivered for the 2025/2026 and 2026/2027 sessions should be allowed to go so we can start a new session, 2027/2023, in September.”
He clarified that:
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Lecturers would continue teaching all backlog courses to ensure students admitted in previous sessions complete their programs.
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Unlike other unions, ASUU members will resume teaching past sessions rather than cancelling or ignoring them.
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Students admitted for 2025/2026 and 2026/2027 would not lose their admission slots, and no new students would replace them for those sessions.
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The union does not seek sympathy for unpaid wages, stating that it can adequately support its members.
Why This Matters
ASUU’s stance highlights the impact of prolonged strikes on students, academic calendars, and lecturers. By insisting on backlog completion, the union aims to ensure continuity and fairness in university education, while advocating for timely payment of salaries as a moral and contractual obligation of the government.
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FAQs About ASUU’s Salary Backlog and Academic Sessions
Why is ASUU demanding payment despite the ongoing strike?
ASUU argues that lecturers will have to teach backlog courses for previous academic sessions, so they should be compensated for the period their work was disrupted.
What does ASUU mean by “unfinished academic sessions”?
These refer to the 2025/2026 and 2026/2027 sessions, which were disrupted due to strikes and could affect students’ progression and graduation timelines.
Will students from previous sessions lose their admission slots?
No. ASUU insists that all students admitted in these sessions must complete their courses, and their admissions will not be cancelled.
How does ASUU’s approach differ from other unions?
Unlike other unions that may resume work without compensating for missed periods, ASUU members plan to teach all pending courses, ensuring that no student is disadvantaged.
Is the union seeking sympathy or support from the public?
No. Professor Osodeke emphasised that ASUU does not need a pity party and can take care of its members while negotiating fairly with the government.
ASUU’s insistence underscores the importance of resolving salary arrears to prevent further disruption in Nigerian universities and maintain academic standards.
