The Kano Zone of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has expressed concern over what it described as the slow and incomplete implementation of the 2025 agreement signed between the union and the Federal Government.
Addressing journalists in Kano on Wednesday, the zonal coordinator, Comrade Abdulkadir Muhammad, said the failure of authorities to fully execute the agreement could threaten the current industrial peace in Nigerian universities.
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The union, which includes branches from several universities across northern Nigeria, accused some federal and state authorities of selectively implementing parts of the agreement, especially issues relating to salaries, allowances, and welfare packages for lecturers.
ASUU also criticized the delay in establishing the Implementation Monitoring Committee (IMC), which it said was necessary to ensure proper execution of the agreement and prevent bureaucratic setbacks.
“The union further raised concerns over the proposed National Research and Innovation Development Fund, stating that the initiative did not reflect the provisions earlier agreed upon with ASUU during negotiations with the Federal Government”.
According to the union, several unresolved welfare matters still affect lecturers, including unpaid salary arrears, withheld salaries from the 2022 strike period, promotion arrears, pension deductions, and other outstanding entitlements.
ASUU maintained that neglecting lecturers’ welfare could negatively affect the education sector and warned that continued delays might test the patience of its members.
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The union also faulted some recent policies introduced by the Federal Ministry of Education, including the proposed removal of certain university courses, the introduction of mandatory enrollment into the Nigeria Education Repository Databank (NERD), and the plan to establish a foreign university campus in Nigeria.
ASUU argued that such policies were introduced without adequate consultation with relevant stakeholders and could undermine university autonomy, academic freedom, and the country’s educational development.
On governance in universities, the union condemned cases of alleged administrative misconduct, irregular appointments, and financial mismanagement by some university authorities.
The Kano Zone additionally criticized the reported attempt by the Niger State Government to reclaim part of the Federal University of Technology, Minna campus, describing the action as harmful to educational growth and national interest.
Commenting on the broader situation in the country, ASUU expressed worries over rising insecurity, economic hardship, unemployment, and political tension ahead of the 2027 elections.
The union called on governments at all levels to address the challenges facing citizens and ensure protection of lives, economic stability, and sustainable development.
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ASUU concluded by urging the Federal and State Governments to fully implement the signed agreement to prevent future industrial disputes and maintain stability in Nigerian universities.
