ASUU: We’re Waiting on Federal Government to Sign Agreement
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has said it is awaiting the Federal Government’s formal signing of an agreement reached during negotiations, stressing that delays in taking this final step are worsening the crisis in Nigeria’s public university system.
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ASUU’s Position
ASUU leadership explained that several rounds of dialogue have been held with representatives of the Federal Government, during which key issues were discussed and resolutions proposed. However, the union insists that until the agreements are officially signed and implemented, they remain mere promises.
According to ASUU:
- Commitments have been made verbally and at committee levels
- Draft agreements exist, but government endorsement is still pending
- Without signing, there is no legal or moral guarantee that lecturers’ demands will be met
Union officials warned that past experiences have shown that unsigned agreements are often abandoned, leading to recurring disputes and strikes.
Key Issues on the Table
The agreement ASUU says it is waiting for the government to sign reportedly covers:
- Implementation of the renegotiated 2009 FG–ASUU agreement
- Payment of outstanding and withheld salaries and allowances
- Improved funding and revitalisation of public universities
- Better conditions of service and welfare for academic staff
ASUU maintains that these demands are not new, but longstanding issues that have lingered for years.
Impact of the Delay
The continued delay in signing the agreement has:
- Heightened tension between ASUU and the Federal Government
- Increased uncertainty for students and parents
- Raised fears of prolonged or renewed industrial action
The union noted that lecturers are growing increasingly frustrated, especially as economic hardship deepens and salaries remain unpaid for some members.
Government’s Response
While the Federal Government has repeatedly stated that it is committed to dialogue and resolving the dispute, ASUU argues that action, not assurances, is what the situation now requires.
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ASUU leaders say the next step rests squarely with the government.
“We have negotiated. We have waited. What remains is for the Federal Government to sign the agreement,” a senior ASUU official stated.
What This Means for Universities
Education analysts warn that unless the agreement is signed promptly:
- Academic activities in public universities may remain unstable
- Students could face further disruptions to academic calendars
- Trust between lecturers and the government may continue to erode
ASUU has urged the Federal Government to demonstrate sincerity by signing the agreement and beginning immediate implementation to prevent further escalation.
