The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) branches at the University of Calabar (UNICAL), University of Cross River State (UNICROSS), and the University of Education and Entrepreneurship (UEE) Akamkpa have declared readiness to join the union’s looming indefinite nationwide strike, citing the Federal Government’s failure to conclude the renegotiation of the 2009 agreement.
This position was made known in a press briefing delivered by ASUU Zonal Coordinator, Comrade Ikechukwu O. Igwanyi, and jointly signed by nine branch chairpersons, including Comr. Patrick Ushie (UNICROSS), Comr. Peter Ubi (UNICAL), and Comr. Valentine Ntui (UEE Akamkpa). The union said government’s “insensitivity, silence and grandstanding” are deliberate attempts to cripple public universities and destroy Nigeria’s education system.
In a strongly worded document titled “Unresolved Renegotiated 2009 Agreement: An Imminent Danger to Industrial Harmony in the Nigerian University System,” ASUU lamented that its patience has been stretched to the limit by “broken promises, shattered dreams and deepening crises.” The union insisted that the renegotiation of the 16-year-old agreement is a responsibility the Federal Government owes lecturers and the Nigerian people, not a favour.
ASUU further expressed disappointment at what it described as the government’s inconsistent and unserious approach to critical issues such as revitalization funding, university autonomy, academic freedom, proliferation of universities without sustainable funding, and improved conditions of service. According to the union, these concerns have remained unresolved despite several ultimatums, warning strikes, and interventions by stakeholders, including parents and the Nigeria Labour Congress.
The union condemned the government’s recent payment of a fraction of the 2017 promotion arrears and overdue third-party deductions, noting that such gestures cannot be classified as achievements when the core demands remain untouched. It warned that the Federal Government’s posture of “never let them have their way” is reckless and endangers the future of Nigeria’s tertiary education.
ASUU outlined its demands, which include the immediate conclusion and implementation of the renegotiated agreement with clear timelines, settlement of all withheld salaries and arrears, release of revitalization funds, fair remuneration to stem brain drain, respect for university autonomy, and adequate budgetary allocation to the education sector in line with UNESCO’s 15–26% benchmark.
The union also called on traditional rulers, parents, students, civil society groups, the NLC, and the general public to hold the Federal Government accountable for any breakdown in academic activities. It warned that unless urgent action is taken, the country should brace for a “total, comprehensive, and indefinite strike” aimed at defending the integrity of Nigeria’s public universities
