Implications of ASUU strike threat on university education
Compiled by HOSEA NYAMLONG & LOIS DADU’UT
The ongoing threat of an indefinite strike by ASUU is a deeply concerning yet familiar crisis that threatens to further cripple the already fragile state of university education in Nigeria. The potential impact is severe, another lost academic session disrupting the futures of millions of students, a further brain drain as frustrated academics seek opportunities abroad, and the continued devaluation of Nigerian degrees on the global stage. This cyclical disruption prevents any form of academic stability or long-term planning, ensuring our public universities remain in a state of perpetual decline while the root causes of the conflict remain unaddressed.
I firmly support ASUU’s rejection of the government’s student loan scheme in this context. The scheme, in its current form, appears to be a cleverly designed distraction that sidesteps the government’s core constitutional responsibility to fund education. ASUU’s characterization of it as a “poisoned chalice” is apt; it burdens future generations with debt without solving the immediate, fundamental problems of infrastructural decay, under-funding, and the welfare of the academic staff who are the very heart of the universities. Signing a renegotiated agreement that commits to direct funding is a far more sustainable solution than a loan programme that ignores the systemic issues.
To resolve this impasse, the government must move beyond short-term palliatives and demonstrate a genuine commitment to a final settlement. This requires high-level, good-faith negotiation to immediately clear the withheld salaries as a sign of trust, followed by the signing and implementation of the renegotiated 2009 agreement. A sustainable solution must include a legally binding funding plan for universities, derived from a higher percentage of the national budget, to address both staff welfare and institutional revitalization. Only this kind of decisive action can break the cycle of strikes and secure the future of Nigerian education.
Bitrus Nengak Simon, G.S.S West of Mines, Jos
I strongly believe that strike seems to be the only language the Nigerian government understands. Unfortunately, strikes have never truly changed anything. Despite the numerous strikes, ASUU’s demands have rarely been fully met, and the issues persist. Once the Federal Government sits at the negotiation table with ASUU officials, the tone changes, and agreements are often made. However, these agreements often don’t translate to tangible results. In my opinion, this cycle of strikes and negotiations has become a political game, with both sides playing to their respective galleries.
While I understand ASUU’s grievances, I don’t entirely support their stance on this issue. The threat to embark on strike would undoubtedly affect students, causing delays in their education and potentially derailing their academic careers. I think ASUU should consider the impact of their actions on students, who are often the most vulnerable in this dispute.
Regarding the student loan scheme, I believe it’s a step in the right direction. It could provide much-needed financial support to students, enabling them to pursue their education without undue financial burdens. ASUU’s rejection of the scheme seems counterproductive, given its potential benefits. I think ASUU should reconsider their stance and work with the government to make the scheme more effective and accessible to students.
To break this cycle, I suggest that the government should prioritize keeping their promises and meeting ASUU’s legitimate demands. This would help build trust and reduce the need for strikes. ASUU, on their part, should consider the welfare of students and strive to find solutions that benefit all parties involved. By working.
Mwuese Praise Adem, Zaria Road Jos
The ASUU strike threat is a cause for concern, as it will undoubtedly affect students the most. If the threat is carried out, academic calendars will be disrupted once again, leading to delayed graduations and potential loss of motivation among students. This constant instability of our universities to resolve issues amicably erodes the quality of education in Nigeria, and this makes it evident that our leaders do not prioritize education as they should.
I agree with ASUU’s reject! on of the government’s loan scheme, as it fails to address the root causes of the problem. What students and lecturers truly need is proper funding of universities, better salaries, and improved learning conditions, rather than loans that may exacerbate financial hardship. The focus should be on fulfilling agreements already made with ASUU, rather than proposing band-aid solutions.
For peace to return to our universities, the government should engage in genuine dialogue with ASUU, demonstrating a commitment to signing and implementing renegotiated agreements. Paying withheld salaries and improving the welfare of lecturers will significantly contribute to restoring trust. When lecturers are motivated, students will inevitably benefit, and the standard of education will improve.
To break this cycle, the government should prioritize the funding of education, ensuring that universities receive adequate resources to provide quality education. This include investing in infrastructure, staffing, and research. By doing so, we can create a stable and conducive learning environment that fosters academic excellence.
Numshi Habila Danrimi, Plot 205 Sambo Lai Road, Adjacent ECWA Church New Gra, Bauchi State
The ASUU strike threat in Nigeria is a recurring issue with significant implications for university education. The extended academic calendar and delayed graduation that result from these strikes create uncertainty and stress among students, potentially leading to mental health issues like depression and anxiety.
Furthermore, strikes disrupt research activities, causing lecturers and researchers to lose continuity thus affecting innovation and academic progress. This, not only hampers the academic growth of students but also impacts the overall quality of education in Nigeria.
ASUU’s rejection of the government’s loan scheme seems to stem from several concerns. Many lecturers are already deeply indebted, struggling to repay loans from various credit sources. Taking on another loan would only further burden them, exacerbating their financial woes. This highlights the need for a more sustainable solution that addresses the root causes of the problem, rather than temporary fixes.
To address the current impasse with ASUU and ensure the welfare of university lecturers, the government should prioritize honouring and fulfilling agreements made with ASUU. This includes improving funding for universities and allocating funds specifically for lecturers’ welfare. The government should also prioritize settling the salary arrears owed to lecturers and establish a fair and transparent payment system, which has been a significant point of contention.
Moreover, the government should be open to negotiations and concessions where necessary. By taking these steps, the government can work towards resolving the impasse with ASUU and ensuring the welfare of university lecturers, which would ultimately benefit the entire education system. A stable and well-funded education system would not only improve the quality of education but also contribute to the country’s overall development.
Jennifer Joseph, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Kaduna State
The Federal Government of Nigeria can avert the proposed ASUU strike by taking several crucial steps. Firstly, the government should formally sign and implement the renegotiated 2009 FGN-ASUU agreement, which addresses issues like funding, salaries, and university autonomy. Additionally, implementing the Yayale Ahmed Committee Report, submitted in February 2025, would demonstrate goodwill and a commitment to resolving the impasse. The government should also review salaries to reflect economic realities, ensuring that lecturers’ earnings are commensurate with the current cost of living.
Furthermore, the government should prioritize paying outstanding arrears and allowances, including clearing 3.5 months of withheld salaries, promotion arrears, and earned academic allowances.
Increasing the education budget allocation would also help revitalize universities, including infrastructure, laboratories, and research facilities. The government should jettison the idea of loan schemes. It should instead put in place direct payments of entitlements to lecturers. Respecting institutional autonomy, stopping victimization of lecturers, and involving ASUU in negotiations would also help build trust and reduce tensions.
To ensure a lasting resolution, the government should provide a clear implementation timeline, engage in mediation and arbitration, and involve traditional and religious leaders in the negotiation process. The Ministry of Justice should be involved in drafting agreements to ensure they are legally sound and constitutionally compliant. By learning from past mistakes and honouring agreements, the government can break the cycle of strikes and create a more stable and prosperous future for Nigeria’s education sector. Ultimately, the Federal Government must act urgently to avert another strike by addressing these issues sincerely and transparently, recognizing that the future of Nigeria’s education system and its students depends on sustainable solutions rather than short-term fixes.
Fred Akpowo Jacob, Abujam (FCT), Nigeria
ASUU strike threat poses a significant threat to university education in Nigeria, potentially disrupting academic calendars and affecting students’ future prospects. The strike highlights the need for the government to prioritize education funding and lecturer welfare, as the current situation is unsustainable and detrimental to the quality of education. ASUU’s demands for payment of withheld salaries, renegotiation of the 2009 agreement, and improved welfare are legitimate and deserve consideration. These demands are not only about lecturer welfare but also about creating a conducive learning environment that fosters academic excellence.
I support ASUU’s rejection of the government’s loan scheme, as it may not address the root causes of the strike. The loan scheme might burden students and lecturers without providing a long-term solution to the funding crisis in Nigerian universities. Instead, the government should focus on increasing education funding, improving lecturer welfare, and implementing sustainable solutions to ensure quality education. This could involve releasing withheld salaries, signing the renegotiated agreement, and exploring alternative funding models that prioritize education as public good. By doing so, the government can ensure that universities receive adequate funding to provide quality education, rather than shifting the burden to students and lecturers.
To resolve this issues, the government should engage in genuine dialogue with ASUU, addressing their demands and working towards a mutually beneficial solution. This requires a willingness to listen to ASUU’s concerns, negotiate in good faith, and implement agreements in a timely manner. By prioritizing education and lecturer welfare, the government can ensure the stability and quality of university education in Nigeria. This, in turn, would have a positive impact on the
country’s development, as quality education is essential for producing skilled professionals, driving innovation, and promoting economic growth.
Esther Vincent Nwokedi, Millionaire Quarters, Jos