We Are Tired of Waiting — ASUU Issues Fresh Threat to FG Over Unpaid Salaries

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has warned the Federal Government of possible action if lecturers’ salaries are not fully implemented in line with the 2025 agreement by the end of March.

Speaking in an interview, ASUU President, Christopher Piwuna, said the union expects full payment of salaries, including all agreed allowances, before the close of the month.

He noted that lecturers are increasingly frustrated by persistent delays in the implementation of the agreement.

Piwuna clarified that reports claiming the union issued a four-day ultimatum were inaccurate, explaining that ASUU only referenced the remaining days in March as a reasonable timeframe for compliance. He added that the union adheres strictly to laid-down procedures before embarking on any industrial action.

According to him, although some adjustments to salaries have been observed since January, implementation remains incomplete, with key components of the agreement yet to be fully reflected across federal universities.

He explained that the shortfalls have particularly affected lecturers on sabbatical and visiting appointments, many of whom are not fully paid due to funding constraints in their host institutions.

The ASUU president further disclosed that critical components such as the Earned Academic Allowances (EAA), which were expected to be incorporated into salaries, have not been fully paid, while other allowances are being implemented inconsistently.

He reiterated that the union is demanding full compliance with the December 2025 agreement, which includes a 40 per cent increase in allowances, an improved salary structure, and enhanced welfare provisions for academic staff.

Piwuna also blamed delays in the passage of the national budget for the funding challenges facing universities, accusing the government of prioritising political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“We are tired of waiting… our interest is the full implementation of the 2025 agreement,” he said.

He added that the lack of a clear and timely budget framework has hindered universities’ access to funds, complicating salary payments and the execution of agreed benefits.

Beyond salaries, the ASUU president noted that the 2025 agreement also includes provisions for the establishment of a national research council, improved funding benchmarks for education, and a N30 billion stabilisation fund to be released over three years to address financial gaps in universities.

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

He warned that if the government fails to fully implement the agreement by the end of March, the union would respond in line with its established procedures.