The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has rejected the Federal Government’s loan scheme for tertiary institution workers, insisting on the implementation of the 2009 agreement.
The union warned that if the government fails to address their demands, they might have no other option than to embark on a strike action.
But ASUU president At a press conference in Jos, the Plateau State capital, on Thursday, ASUU’s National President, Prof. Christopher Piwuna described the loan scheme as a ‘poisoned chalice’ and urged members to stay away from it.
Two weeks ago, the Federal Government had launched the Tertiary Institutions Staff Support Fund, a welfare and empowerment initiative for academic and non-academic staff in Nigeria’s tertiary institutions.
The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa explained that the fund was a direct response to the welfare and professional growth needs of the nation’s tertiary institution workforce.
Piwuna, however, said: ‘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.
‘The union is demanding the implementation of the 2009 agreement, which includes issues like conditions of service, university autonomy, academic freedom, funding of universities, and review of laws governing JAMB (Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board) and NUC (National Universities Commission)’.
Piwuna emphasised that the government had been delaying the renegotiation of the agreement, despite the submission of the Alhaji Yayale Ahmed report in February 2025.
The union warned that if the government fails to address their demands, they might have no other option than to embark on a strike 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 union leader also criticised the government’s priorities, questioning why it would introduce a loan scheme when the union’s members are still owed 3½ months’ salaries.
‘Government should use the money set aside for the loans to defray our withheld salaries’, he said.
The ASUU leader called on its members to participate in a rally across campuses next week, which will be the first shot at the government.
He urged well-meaning Nigerians to advise the government not to stampede the union into any 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.
‘The National Executive Committee of ASUU considered and acknowledged the planned government meeting of 28th August 2025.
‘NEC will, therefore, be decisive on the outcome of the meeting.
‘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.
