The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has expressed dissatisfaction with the Federal Government’s handling of critical issues in the education sector, warning of a possible long-drawn confrontation in 2025 if no concrete steps are taken to address their concerns.
In a statement released by the Chairman of ASUU’s Ibadan chapter, Prof. Ayo Akinwole, the union criticized the government’s efforts in 2024 as superficial, failing to resolve longstanding issues affecting the university system.
### Key Demands and Issues
ASUU highlighted the following unresolved matters:
1. **Funding Revitalization**: Non-provision of funds based on the FGN-ASUU MoU (2012, 2013) and MoA (2017).
2. **Salary and Deductions**: Non-payment of three and a half months’ withheld salaries, third-party deductions, and Earned Academic Allowances (EAA).
3. **UTAS Implementation**: Non-implementation of the University Transparency and Accountability Solution (UTAS) to replace IPPIS.
4. **2009 Agreement Renegotiation**: Delays in reviewing and signing the Nimi Briggs-led renegotiated draft agreement.
5. **Budget Allocation**: The 2025 education budget allocation of 7% falls far below the UNESCO-advised 15-20% for developing countries.
### Proposed Tax Reforms Criticized
ASUU strongly opposed the proposed replacement of the education tax with a “development levy” under the new tax reform bills. The union argued that this would disrupt the funding stream of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), a critical source of infrastructure development in public tertiary institutions.
Prof. Akinwole stated, “This misbegotten policy will have huge adverse implications for the university system in Nigeria, signaling the potential extinction of TETFund by 2030.”
### Outlook for 2025
ASUU warned that if these issues remain unaddressed, the union might embark on another round of industrial action, which could disrupt academic activities nationwide. The union urged the government to prioritize education, reverse policies threatening the university system, and improve the welfare of lecturers and staff.
Prof. Akinwole concluded by rallying members to remain vigilant, emphasizing, “A people united can never be defeated.”
ASUU’s warning comes amidst growing concerns over the state of education in Nigeria and the government’s perceived lack of commitment to addressing systemic challenges.
