ASUU threatens action over unpaid salaries, delays in 2025 agreement implementation

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has warned the federal government that it may take action if lecturers’ salaries are not fully implemented in line with the 2025 agreement by the end of March.

Speaking in an interview with TheCable, ASUU President, Christopher Piwuna, said the union expects complete payment of salaries, including all agreed allowances, before the month ends. He added that members are becoming increasingly frustrated with the persistent delays.

Piwuna dismissed reports of a four-day ultimatum, explaining that the union only referenced the remaining days in March as a reasonable timeframe for the government to comply.

He noted that although some adjustments have been made to lecturers’ salaries since January, implementation remains incomplete, with key aspects of the agreement yet to be reflected across federal universities.

According to him, the gaps particularly affect lecturers on sabbatical and visiting appointments, many of whom are not fully paid due to funding challenges in their host institutions.

He also pointed out that the Earned Academic Allowances (EAA), which were meant to be integrated into salaries, have not been fully paid, while other allowances are being implemented inconsistently.

Piwuna stressed that ASUU is demanding full compliance with the December 2025 agreement, which includes a 40 percent increase in allowances, an improved salary structure, and better welfare provisions for academic staff.

He attributed the funding challenges partly to delays in the passage of the national budget, accusing the government of prioritising political activities ahead of the 2027 elections.

“We are tired of waiting. Our priority is the full implementation of the 2025 agreement,” he said.

He added that the absence of a clear and timely budget framework has made it difficult for universities to access funds, thereby affecting salary payments and implementation of agreed benefits.

Beyond salaries, Piwuna said the agreement also covers the establishment of a national research council, improved education funding benchmarks, and a N30 billion stabilisation fund to be released over three years to support universities facing financial difficulties.

However, he expressed concern that progress on these commitments has been slow, with little indication that the government is taking decisive steps to meet the targets, including increasing education funding toward 25 percent of the national budget.

He warned that if the government fails to meet its obligations by the end of March, the union will respond in line with its established procedures.