FG hasn’t informed ASUU of Cash Crunch – Osodeke

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has rejected claims that the Federal Government lacks the funds to meet its demands and fund university education.

This response comes after comments by the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Festus Keyamo, and Ebonyi State Governor, David Umahi, who argued that it was unreasonable for the Federal Government to borrow over N1 trillion to satisfy ASUU’s demands.

Strike Status

• ASUU has been on strike since February 14, 2026.

• The strike has lasted 180 days, making it one of the longest in Nigeria’s history.

• The strike was initiated after ASUU submitted its demands, which are being renegotiated by the Prof. Nimi Briggs committee.

ASUU’s Position

ASUU National President, Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke, emphasized:

• Claims that the government has no money are false and come from interlopers with no authority on the matter.

• He questioned why the government can borrow for programs like Trader Moni, feeding schoolchildren, or buying vehicles for Niger Republic, but allegedly cannot borrow for education.

• ASUU will not reduce its demands; the issue lies with the government coming to the renegotiation table.

“It is not about ASUU bending its demands; our demands are with the government. They should come to us with what they want,” Osodeke said.

Call to Action for Citizens

• Osodeke urged parents and students to vote out leaders responsible for prolonged university closures.

• He stated that children of the masses should not be kept out of school while the leaders’ children study abroad.

• He encouraged Nigerians to exercise their voting rights in the upcoming elections to hold leaders accountable.

Goal of the Strike

• ASUU aims not just to suspend the strike, but to end strikes permanently in Nigerian universities.

• The union’s focus remains on ensuring better funding and improved conditions for university education.

Public Reaction

• Ayodamola Oluwatoyin, Programme Director of Reform Education Nigeria, condemned the prolonged closure, noting it mirrors past long strikes, such as in 2020, which disrupted education for almost a year.

• The public has expressed concern over the impact on students, warning against turning undergraduates into “out-of-school children.”

Related Article: FG not ready to fund varsities –ASUU

Key Takeaways:

1. ASUU strike continues into its 180th day.

2. The union rejects claims that the government cannot fund their demands.

3. ASUU insists on negotiation with government, not compromise on demands.

4. Citizens are urged to hold leaders accountable through voting.

5. Long strikes have serious consequences for students’ education and future opportunities.