Call for ASUU Ban Absurd, Union Member Says

A call by some public figures and commentators to ban the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has been described as “absurd and irrational” by a respected member of the union’s National Caucus. This comment came in response to growing public debate over how to resolve recurring academic disruptions caused by ASUU’s industrial actions in Nigerian universities.

In an interview, Austen Sado, speaking on behalf of ASUU’s National Caucus, dismissed proposals to outlaw the union, arguing that such a move would be unconstitutional and counterproductive. He said that ASUU plays a legitimate and legally recognised role in representing the interests of university lecturers and enhancing the quality of higher education, and that resorting to a ban instead of constructive engagement would undermine industrial relations and democratic rights in the country.

According to Sado, calls to disband ASUU reflect frustration with ongoing strikes rather than a realistic solution to the challenges facing the public university system. He advised stakeholders to focus on meaningful dialogue, honouring agreements, and addressing financing and working‑condition deficits in higher education — areas that experts say are central to the strikes.

ASUU has been involved in prolonged negotiations and strike actions with the Federal Government over unresolved demands including implementation of agreements, university funding, earned allowances, and salary arrears. Recent actions — such as a two‑week warning strike in late 2025 — were aimed at compelling the government to meet these outstanding issues.

Critics of the union often point to academic disruptions and loss of study time when industrial actions occur. However, ASUU maintains that its actions are legitimate tactics to compel sustainable investment and reform in the public university system.

FAQs: Proposed Ban on ASUU and the Reaction

Why are some people calling for ASUU to be banned?

Some critics argue that repeated ASUU strikes disrupt academic calendars and delay students’ progress, and therefore believe banning the union might stop the industrial actions. These views are usually expressed during periods of prolonged strikes, though they are not official government policy.

What did the ASUU member mean by “ban is absurd”?

An ASUU National Caucus member, Austen Sado, described the call to ban ASUU as irrational and absurd, arguing that such a ban would undermine democratic rights and the legitimate role of labour unions in advocating for workers’ welfare and quality education.

Is ASUU legally recognised in Nigeria?

Yes. ASUU is a formally recognised labour union for academic staff in Nigerian universities. It operates within Nigeria’s industrial relations framework, including laws governing trade unions and collective bargaining.

What does ASUU want from the Federal Government?

ASUU’s demands often include the implementation of negotiated agreements (such as the 2009 framework), adequate funding for public universities, payment of earned allowances and arrears, and improvements in working conditions.

Does banning ASUU stop strikes?

Banning a union is not a practical or legal method to prevent strikes. Labour law in Nigeria protects union rights and collective bargaining. Effective solutions generally involve negotiation, funding reforms, and implementation of agreements, rather than punitive measures.

Related Article: No child should lack quality education – Osinbajo

Summary

While frustrations over strike‑related disruptions are widespread, calls to ban ASUU have been rebuffed by union members as unrealistic and counterproductive. The focus from both the union and many education stakeholders continues to be on dialogue and implementation of sustainable solutions to improve Nigeria’s public university system.