ASUU: FG’s Policies Impeding Academic Freedom

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has called on the federal government to respect university autonomy and halt the imposition of policies that threaten academic freedom.

Speaking in Calabar, ASUU zonal coordinator for the Calabar zone, Comrade Ikechukwu Igwenyi, told PulseNets that several government policies have disrupted the smooth progression of academic activities.

He further urged the immediate release of their three-and-a-half months’ outstanding salaries and all withheld wages, as well as a refund of all third-party deductions and payment of arrears on promotions.

ASUU also obtained by PulseNets, is demanding the disbursement of the outstanding 25–35% wage award with consequential adjustments, alongside adequate budgetary allocation to education and sustainable funding for Nigerian universities.

“We demand the completion of renegotiations and full implementation of agreements with clear timelines,” Igwenyi stated. “Academic staff deserve fair remuneration and improved working conditions to prevent the continued exodus of talent from our universities.”

Igwenyi, speaking with PulseNets alongside nine other ASUU officials, added, “We issued the government a four-week ultimatum to address these concerns. If our demands are not met, we will not hesitate to initiate industrial action.”

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He reiterated, “We shall remain unbowed and unwavering in this just struggle. Our resolve to embark on industrial action, if necessary, remains firm.”

The union emphasized that education is a fundamental right for all citizens, noting that it is the government’s responsibility to demonstrate the political will required to adequately fund the sector.