The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has issued a strong warning to the Federal Government, signaling possible action if lecturers’ salaries are not fully implemented in line with the 2025 agreement before the end of March.
Speaking in an interview, ASUU President Christopher Piwuna stressed that the union expects complete payment of salaries, including all agreed allowances, within the remaining days of the month.
Piwuna dismissed reports suggesting the union had issued a four-day ultimatum, clarifying that ASUU merely pointed to the days left in March as a practical window for compliance.
He added that the union adheres strictly to due process before embarking on any form of industrial action.
While acknowledging that some salary adjustments have been implemented since January, he noted that the process remains incomplete.
According to him, several aspects of the agreement have yet to be reflected in payments across federal universities.
He explained that lecturers on sabbatical and those on visiting appointments are among the most affected, as many are not receiving their full entitlements due to funding limitations within host institutions.
The ASUU leader further revealed that key components of the agreement—such as the Earned Academic Allowances meant to be incorporated into salaries—have not been fully paid.
The union is therefore insisting on total adherence to the terms agreed with the Federal Government in December 2025, which include a 40 percent increase in allowances, a revised salary structure, and improved welfare packages for academic staff.
Piwuna attributed the delays partly to setbacks in the passage of the national budget, which he said has constrained funding for universities.
Political Distractions
He also accused the government of being distracted by political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“We are no longer willing to wait endlessly. What matters to us is the full execution of the 2025 agreement,” he said.
Beyond remuneration, he pointed out that the agreement also covers broader reforms, including the creation of a National Research Council, increased funding benchmarks for education, and a ₦30 billion stabilisation fund to be released over three years to support universities facing financial challenges.
However, he expressed concern over the slow pace of progress on these commitments, noting that there is little evidence of decisive efforts to meet targets—particularly the gradual increase of education funding toward 25 percent of the national budget.
Piwuna warned that the union would not hesitate to respond if the government fails to meet its obligations.
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“If full salary implementation and compliance with the agreement are not achieved by the end of March, ASUU will take action in line with its established procedures,” he said.