ASUU Threatens Strike Over 2025 Pact: FG on Notice

ASUU's National Executive Council accused the government of foot-dragging on a memorandum signed in 2025, which included revitalization funds for public universities and a new salary structure. The union claims only 30% of the pledged N1. 3 trillion has been released.

The Federal Government insists it has made progress, citing recent disbursements of N200 billion for infrastructure. However, ASUU counters that these funds fall short of the agreement's scope, which also covers earned allowances and promotion arrears. The impasse underscores a chronic underfunding crisis in Nigeria's tertiary education sector.

Analysts warn that a prolonged strike would further erode Nigeria's global competitiveness in research and innovation. The 2022 ASUU strike lasted eight months, costing the economy an estimated N2. 5 trillion.

Power Move: ASUU holds the leverage: public opinion and election-year politics. The government must choose between honoring the 2025 pact or facing a disruptive strike that could ignite wider labor unrest. Smart money bets on a last-minute deal to avoid political fallout.

This article was edited with AI assistance for readability. Read original here.