Members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) on Tuesday staged a protest to draw attention to what they described as the Federal Government’s continued disregard for their unresolved demands.
At the University of Jos, lecturers gathered for a demonstration before addressing the press, where they firmly rejected the newly introduced Tertiary Institution Staff Support Fund loan scheme.
The chairperson of the ASUU branch in Jos, Joseph Molwus, dismissed the initiative as an inadequate measure, arguing that it would worsen the financial strain already facing lecturers. He described the scheme as a “poison chalice” that was designed to impoverish rather than provide meaningful relief.
Molwus insisted that lecturers do not need loans but require the government to settle the entitlements it has long owed them. He questioned how teachers could be expected to borrow money for healthcare, education, and daily needs while the government continues to withhold salaries, allowances, and arrears.
The union called on the Federal Government to release funds to cover outstanding payments such as unpaid wages, earned academic allowances, promotion arrears, revitalisation funds, wage awards, and unremitted third-party deductions.
ASUU also expressed frustration over the government’s failure to complete the renegotiation of the 2009 FGN-ASUU agreement, accusing authorities of neglecting collective bargaining despite years of discussions and committee reports.
Molwus emphasized that the lack of progress has left lecturers disillusioned and warned that the relative industrial peace in universities for over two years is now under serious threat. He added that the government has made repeated promises without taking meaningful steps, cautioning that unless urgent action is taken, the nation could face another prolonged shutdown of academic activities.
The union also reminded President Bola Tinubu of his 2022 campaign promise that university strikes would not happen during his tenure. Molwus noted that lecturers had placed their hopes on this assurance but were disappointed that two years into his administration, the issues remain unresolved. He appealed to the president to personally engage with ASUU leaders and “renew the hope” of both lecturers and the wider education sector.
Tuesday’s demonstration in Jos formed part of a larger nationwide protest organized by ASUU chapters across the country. While the union reaffirmed its commitment to dialogue, it warned that its patience is wearing thin and stressed that without urgent intervention, the universities risk plunging back into another cycle of crisis.
What you should know
ASUU, Nigeria’s foremost lecturers’ union, has a long history of clashes with the government over unpaid salaries, allowances, and funding for universities.
Its current protests highlight frustrations over unmet promises and the introduction of a loan scheme lecturers say will deepen their struggles.
The union warns that without genuine government action, the stability of Nigeria’s university system could once again be at risk.
