The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) raised concerns on Tuesday over what it described as a deliberate effort to undermine Nigeria’s public universities.

ASUU President, Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke, expressed these concerns during the 2024 ASUU Heroes Day in Abuja, accusing international bodies of working to destabilise Nigeria’s public education system.

Osodeke also voiced frustration over the continued delay in renegotiating the 2009 agreement between ASUU and the Federal Government, despite several Memoranda of Understanding and Action. He stated that the unresolved issues in the ASUU-FGN 2009 Agreement remain critical and unattended.

He further condemned the continued imposition of the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS) on public universities, despite the Federal Executive Council’s assurances to remove the system from tertiary institutions.

Additionally, Osodeke criticised the withholding of the union’s three-and-a-half months’ salaries, as well as the non-payment of outstanding arrears, promotions, and the Earned Academic Allowance.

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In his address, Osodeke acknowledged the dedication of ASUU members across the country, recognizing their “unwavering sacrifices” in the fight to protect and promote Nigeria’s public university system.

“We are still pushing for the renegotiation of our 2009 Agreement with the federal government, even after twelve years and multiple rounds of failed discussions,” Osodeke lamented.

He also noted the challenges faced by ASUU members at state institutions, noting that staff at universities like Kogi State University, Lagos State University, Ebonyi State University, and Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University are being “persecuted for their dedication to protecting public university education.”

During the event, ASUU honoured distinguished members for their lasting contributions to the union and the defence of Nigeria’s public education sector. Among those recognized were Prof. T. Uzodinma Nwala, Prof. Bright Ekuerhare, Prof. Oye Oyediran, Mallam Bashir Kurfi, Prof. The Name Ikiddeh, Mr. S.A. Fadipe, Prof. Sola Olukunle, Nasir Hussain, Tunde Oduleye, Prof. Rasheed Abubakar, Akin Oyebode, Mustapha A. Danesi, A.T. Wins, and Dr. Peter Ozo-eson.

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