The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has rejected the Federal Government’s newly introduced loan scheme for tertiary institution workers, insisting that the government should instead focus on implementing the long-standing 2009 agreement with the union.
ASUU National President, Prof. Christopher Piwuna, stated this on Thursday during a press conference in Jos, Plateau State.
Two weeks ago, the Federal Government launched the Tertiary Institutions Staff Support Fund, a welfare and empowerment initiative targeted at academic and non-academic staff in tertiary institutions.
The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, had described the fund as a direct response to the welfare and professional growth needs of the nation’s tertiary workforce.
But Piwuna dismissed the scheme, describing it as a “poisoned chalice” and urged members to shun it.
“Our members do not lack where to find loans; indeed, they are already deep in debt from such loans. What we need now is for government to sign our renegotiated agreement, which will improve our purchasing power and decrease our reliance on debts from cooperative societies,” he said.
The ASUU president stressed that the union is demanding the full implementation of the 2009 agreement, which covers conditions of service, university autonomy, academic freedom, adequate funding of universities, and a review of laws governing JAMB and NUC.
He accused the government of deliberately stalling the process despite the submission of the Alhaji Yayale Ahmed Report in February 2025.
He further warned that failure to act could force the union to consider industrial action. “Time is running out. We will no longer tolerate a situation where those who fought for the sustenance of the universities will be treated with such disdain,” Piwuna said, adding that the union is prepared for all options.
The ASUU leader also criticised the government’s priorities, faulting the introduction of a loan scheme while members are still being owed three-and-a-half months’ salaries. “Government should use the money set aside for the loans to defray our withheld salaries,” he stated.
Piwuna disclosed that the union has directed its members to stage a rally across campuses next week as a first step in pressing home their demands. He also urged well-meaning Nigerians to prevail on the government not to push the union into drastic action.
“We cannot disregard one of the core principles of the organisation, CBA. We, therefore, wish to caution government to return to this principle in addressing the issues in our draft agreement,” he said.
On the government’s planned meeting with the union scheduled for August 28, 2025, Piwuna said the National Executive Committee (NEC) of ASUU would be “decisive” about its outcome.
“We are determined to end the pronouncements by government claiming commitment to sound university education and fidelity to collective agreement.
Trust has been destroyed by government, it is, therefore, up to them to regain it to avert any strike,” the ASUU president added.
