Enough Is Enough!’ – ASUU Threatens Showdown, Says FG Must Face Fallout

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has voiced mounting frustration over the prolonged stalemate in its negotiations with the Federal Government, warning that university lecturers are fast losing patience.

In an interview with Punch in Jos on Sunday, ASUU National President, Prof. Chris Piwuna, decried the government’s persistent failure to honour the terms of the 2009 agreement, stating bluntly that the union’s tolerance is nearing its limit.

“We are tired of words and empty promises,” Piwuna said.

He lamented that despite seven years of attempted renegotiation, no tangible progress has been made.

“The government continues to frustrate our efforts. After seven years of back and forth, we are still without an agreement. Enough is enough — our members need action, not talk,” he added.

Piwuna reiterated that ASUU’s long-standing demands — improved working conditions, institutional autonomy, academic freedom, sustainable funding, and payment of earned allowances — remain unresolved, worsening the condition of public universities.

He pointed to widespread infrastructural decay, demoralised staff, cultism, and falling academic standards as symptoms of chronic underfunding and poor remuneration.

“We believe these issues can only be addressed through increased funding and improved welfare for our members,” he noted, stressing that staff motivation is essential to restoring academic integrity.

Piwuna also urged the government to involve non-academic staff in salary review processes to ensure institutional harmony.

“All university staff must be included in these reforms. Exclusion will only create division and instability,” he warned.

In a final note of caution, Piwuna signaled potential consequences if the government continues to stall.

“Let it be clear — if talks collapse again, the government should be prepared to face the fallout,” he declared.