The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has been a prominent voice in Nigeria’s higher education sector, advocating for the welfare of university staff and the overall quality of tertiary education. However, ASUU’s relationship with the Nigerian government has been fraught with tension and frequent disagreements, leading to numerous strikes that have disrupted academic calendars and affected millions of students across the country. University lecturers in Nigeria, represented by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), have issued a 21-day notice to the Federal Government, threatening to embark on a nationwide strike. In a July press briefing held in Damaturu, the Yobe State capital, Melemi Abatcha, the Chairman of ASUU’s Gashua branch, brought attention to pressing issues within the educational sector. He emphasised the urgent need for funding to revitalise public universities in Nigeria, as well as the importance of renegotiating the 2009 agreement. As the possibility of another nationwide strike looms, it’s crucial to understand the reasons behind ASUU’s persistent threats.
Lack of Funding for University Revitalisation
One of the primary reasons ASUU continually threatens to go on strike is the inadequate funding for the revitalisation of public universities in Nigeria. The union has long argued that the poor state of infrastructure in universities hampers effective teaching, learning, and research. This situation has led to dilapidated buildings, poorly equipped laboratories, outdated libraries, and a lack of basic amenities that are essential for a conducive academic environment. In 2013, ASUU and the Federal Government reached an agreement for the disbursement of funds aimed at revitalising universities. The government committed to releasing N1.3 trillion over a period of six years. However, the actual disbursement of these funds has fallen far short of the agreed amount, with only a fraction of the promised funds released to date. As at 2022, it was recorded that only N200 billion has been released since 2013. ASUU’s frustration stems from the government’s inability to fulfil this commitment, leading to a further decline in the quality of education in public universities. The lack of adequate funding has also affected the ability of universities to maintain their infrastructure. Many university buildings are in dire need of renovation, and essential facilities such as hostels, lecture halls, and libraries are often overcrowded and poorly maintained. This situation not only affects the quality of education but also the well-being of students and staff.
Renegotiation of the 2009 Agreement
Another critical issue that has led to ASUU’s threats of another strike is the failure of the government to fully implement the 2009 agreement. This agreement, which was meant to address various concerns of university staff, including salaries, allowances, and working conditions, has been a major point of contention between ASUU and the government. Over the years, ASUU has repeatedly called for the renegotiation of the 2009 agreement to reflect the current realities of the economy and the education sector. However, the government has been slow to respond to these calls, leading to prolonged disputes. The union argues that the agreement was designed to improve the overall welfare of university staff and ensure that Nigerian universities can compete globally. However, the failure to implement key aspects of the agreement hasleft academic staff on the same salary structure for over a decade. The renegotiation process has been marred by delays and a lack of commitment from the government, further exacerbating tensions between ASUU and the authorities. ASUU insists that a comprehensive review and implementation of the 2009 agreement are necessary to address the persistent challenges facing the education sector.
Issues with IPPIS
The Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS) was introduced by the Nigerian government as a means of centralising and streamlining the payment of salaries to federal government employees, including university staff. While the system was intended to curb ghost workers and ensure transparency in salary payments, it has become a source of contention between ASUU and the government. ASUU has vehemently opposed the inclusion of university staff in the IPPIS, arguing that it undermines the autonomy of universities and disrupts the peculiarities of the academic system. The union has pointed out that the IPPIS does not accommodate the flexible nature of academic work, such as sabbaticals, part-time engagements, and the payment of earned academic allowances. Moreover, ASUU contends that the implementation of the IPPIS has led to delays in the payment of salaries and allowances, with many staff members experiencing discrepancies in their payments. The union has proposed an alternative payment platform, the University Transparency and Accountability Solution (UTAS), which it believes is better suited to the needs of the university system. However, the government’s reluctance to adopt UTAS has been a major sticking point in the ongoing dispute.
University Autonomy and Proliferation
The issue of university autonomy has been a long-standing demand of ASUU. The union argues that for universities to function effectively and compete globally, they must be granted full autonomy in matters of governance, administration, and finance. This includes the ability to manage their own affairs without undue interference from the government. However, ASUU contends that the government’s actions have often undermined the autonomy of universities. The introduction of the IPPIS is seen as one such example, as it centralises control over salary payments and other administrative functions that should be managed by individual universities. ASUU believes that this level of government control stifles the independence and innovation that are essential for the growth of the university system. Additionally, the proliferation of universities across Nigeria has raised concerns within ASUU. While the establishment of new universities is often seen as a positive step towards expanding access to higher education, ASUU argues that this expansion has not been matched with adequate funding and resources. Many of these new institutions lack the necessary infrastructure, staff, and facilities to provide quality education, leading to a dilution of standards across the board.
Unpaid Allowances and Withheld Salaries
One of the most immediate triggers for ASUU’s strike threats is the issue of unpaid allowances and withheld salaries. The backlog of earned academic allowances amounting to N50 billion and the withheld three-and-a-half months’ salaries of ASUU members across the country are also significant issues fueling the threat of another strike. University staff are entitled to various allowances, including earned academic allowances, which are meant to compensate them for additional responsibilities such as supervision of projects, extra teaching, and other academic duties. However, ASUU has repeatedly accused the government of failing to pay these allowances in a timely manner, leading to financial hardships for many staff members. The situation is further compounded by the government’s decision to withhold salaries of staff members who participate in strike actions. ASUU argues that this practice is a violation of the rights of workers to engage in industrial action as a means of pressing for their demands. The issue of withheld salaries has been a particularly contentious one, with ASUU insisting that the government must pay all outstanding salaries and allowances before any meaningful dialogue can take place. The union sees the withholding of salaries as a punitive measure designed to weaken its resolve, and it has vowed not to back down until all arrears are settled.
