The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Yola Zone, has accused the Federal Government of showing insincerity and neglect toward public university education, warning that the government risks plunging the sector back into crisis if urgent steps are not taken.
In a press release signed by Dani Mamman, Yola, the Zonal Coordinator said the Union is disappointed that the government has made little progress in the ongoing renegotiation of its agreements despite ASUU’s decision to suspend its warning strike two weeks ago.
ASUU-Yola Zone comprises Adamawa State University (ADSU) Mubi, Borno State University (BOSU), Federal University Gashua (FUGA), Modibbo Adama University (MAU) Yola, Taraba State University (TSU) Jalingo, University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID), and Yobe State University (YSU) Damaturu.
Mamman explained that the Union suspended the strike after its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting on 21st October 2025, following appeals from students, parents, the media, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), and other concerned Nigerians. He noted, however, that the one-month window given to the government is already being wasted.
According to him, the Federal Government continues to treat education as a commercial venture instead of a public good critical to national development. He described the proposed salary adjustment for lecturers as “grossly inadequate,” saying it is too insignificant to stem the brain drain weakening Nigerian universities.
ASUU also accused government officials of misrepresenting facts to the public by presenting part payment of promotion arrears and the release of long-delayed third-party deductions as major achievements. Mamman said these are entitlements already earned by lecturers and do not address the core issues under negotiation.
The Union dismissed claims of limited funds, citing increases in national revenue. It noted that allocations to states rose from ₦3.92 trillion in 2022 to ₦5.81 trillion in 2024, while the Federal Government’s share grew from ₦3.42 trillion to ₦4.65 trillion within the same period.
“The problem is not lack of funds but lack of political will,” Mamman said.
ASUU-Yola Zone demanded immediate conclusion of the renegotiation process and the implementation of a fair, living wage for academics. It warned that failure to act within the remaining days of the one-month window could destabilize the university system again.
The Union called on traditional rulers, community leaders, students, parents, the NLC, and civil society organizations to continue pressuring the government to address the lingering issues.
“A nation that neglects its teachers is digging its own grave,” Mamman said, reaffirming ASUU’s commitment to defending the integrity of public universities.
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