ASUU Yola Zone Raises Alarm Over Government’s Handling of University Education, Renegotiation Process

By Alhassan Haladu Yola.

The Yola Zone of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has expressed deep concern over what it described as the Federal Government’s lack of commitment to resolving lingering issues affecting public universities in the country.

This Contain in a statement signed by ASUU Zonal  Coordinator Yola Dani Mamman made available to Newsmen in Yola.

The zone, which comprises Adamawa State University (ADSU) Mubi, Borno State University (BOSU), Federal University Gashua (FUGA), Modibbo Adama University (MAU) Yola, Taraba State University (TSU) Jalingo, University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID), and Yobe State University (YSU) Damaturu, stated this during a press conference on Monday.

Addressing journalists, the union accused the government of showing “disappointment, insincerity, and growing disregard” toward public university education and the ongoing renegotiation of its agreements with ASUU.

ASUU recalled that at the emergency National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held on October 21, 2025, the union suspended its warning strike out of respect for public interest and in response to appeals from students, parents, labour unions, the media, and other stakeholders.

The union noted that it suspended the strike not because its demands had been met, but to give room for genuine dialogue, believing that a one-month window was sufficient for government to demonstrate seriousness and conclude renegotiations. “Sadly, barely two weeks after, it has become evident that government is squandering this opportunity,” the zone said.

The union expressed displeasure over what it described as the government’s failure to treat education as a public good, accusing officials of viewing the sector as a commercial venture. It added that the proposed salary adjustments being suggested by government were insufficient and incapable of halting the brain drain affecting Nigerian universities.

While acknowledging minor progress on non-monetary issues, ASUU insisted that salary and welfare matters remain “scandalously poor,” stressing that what is needed is a sincere and comprehensive solution rather than “token gestures” aimed at controlling public perception.

The union also condemned what it called deliberate misinformation by some government officials, saying the payment of promotion arrears and release of long-delayed third-party deductions were entitlements, not achievements, and should not be presented as progress in the renegotiation process.

ASUU dismissed claims of limited funds, noting increases in government allocations in recent years. According to the union, states received ₦3.92 trillion from the Federation Account in 2022, rising to ₦5.81 trillion in 2024, while the Federal Government’s share grew from ₦3.42 trillion in 2022 to ₦4.65 trillion in 2024.

“The problem is not the absence of funds but the absence of political will,” the statement added.

The Yola Zone insisted that education remains central to national development and warned that the government risks plunging the university system into another avoidable crisis if it fails to conclude renegotiations within the remaining days of the one-month window.

ASUU called on traditional rulers, leaders of thought, parents, students, civil society organizations, and the Nigeria Labour Congress to continue to mount pressure on government to act responsibly.

“Lecturers deserve a living wage. Our students deserve uninterrupted education. Nigeria deserves a university system that can compete globally,” the union said, warning that “a nation that neglects its teachers is digging its own grave.”