The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Sokoto Zone, has warned that Nigeria’s public universities may face another industrial crisis over unresolved agreements with the Federal Government.
The union said continued delays in implementing agreements signed with lecturers are creating tension across campuses and threatening stability in the university system.
ASUU issued the warning during a press conference held in Sokoto on Thursday.
Speaking at the briefing, ASUU Zonal Coordinator, Abubakar Sabo, accused both federal and state governments of neglecting critical welfare and funding issues affecting public universities.
According to him, the government has failed to fully implement the 2025 FGN-ASUU Agreement signed in January 2026.
He explained that authorities are yet to inaugurate the Implementation Monitoring Committee, a delay he said has slowed enforcement of the agreement across universities.
Union Warns of Possible Industrial Crisis
ASUU warned that the continued delay could trigger avoidable industrial unrest in Nigerian universities.
Sabo stated that many institutions have not implemented the agreed 40 percent salary increment tied to Consolidated Academic Tool Allowances (CATA), Earned Academic Allowances, and Professorial Allowances.
He noted that lecturers across several campuses remain frustrated over the slow pace of implementation.
Lecturers List Unpaid Entitlements
The union also highlighted several unresolved welfare issues affecting academic staff nationwide.
These include arrears linked to the 25–35 percent salary award, promotion arrears, salary shortfalls associated with the IPPIS platform, and withheld salaries from the 2022 ASUU strike action.
In addition, ASUU raised concerns over delayed pension payments affecting retired lecturers.
The union argued that the continued non-payment of entitlements is worsening the financial condition of many academics.
State Universities Face More Challenges
ASUU further expressed concern over conditions in some state-owned universities across Nigeria.
According to the union, several institutions still struggle with unpaid allowances, non-remittance of deductions and union dues, and failure to implement annual salary increments.
The union also criticised the absence of governing councils in some universities, warning that poor administration continues to affect academic activities.
ASUU Opposes Coventry University Plan
Beyond welfare issues, ASUU criticised the Federal Government’s proposed establishment of a Nigerian campus of Coventry University under the Transnational Education framework.
The union warned that the move could weaken local universities and reduce investment in Nigeria’s public education system.
ASUU also rejected plans to phase out some humanities and social science courses, insisting that all academic disciplines remain important for national growth and development.
Insecurity Affecting Universities
The union further expressed concern over rising insecurity in parts of Northern Nigeria.
ASUU noted that banditry, kidnapping, and communal violence continue to disrupt academic activities in several institutions.
According to the union, insecurity has made teaching and learning more difficult in affected areas.
ASUU called on governments at all levels to urgently address insecurity, poverty, and unemployment across the country.
The union also urged authorities to fully implement agreements reached with university workers to prevent another strike in the education sector.
It warned that failure to act quickly could deepen instability in Nigeria’s already fragile university system.
