The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Ibadan Zone, on Thursday criticised the Federal and State Governments over what it described as the slow and partial implementation of the 2025 FGN-ASUU Agreement, warning that the development could trigger fresh industrial unrest in the university system.

The Ibadan Zone, comprising the University of Ibadan, University of Ilorin, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Osun State University, Kwara State University, and Emmanuel Alayande University of Education, Oyo, raised the concern during a press conference held at the premier university, Ibadan.

The Zonal Coordinator, Prof. ‘Biodun Olaniran, addressed journalists in company of other leaders of the zone.

They Prof. Adefemi Afolabi [UI ASUU], Shehu Abdulganiyu Salam from Kwara State University, Prof. Olujimi Dada [Chairperson of LAUTECH], Prof. Ademola Aremun of UI, Prof. Oyebamiji Oyegoke [Past Zonal Coordinator], Bamidele Ojo [Chairperson of Emmanuel Alayande University of Education, Oyo], Jamiu Odusote [ Vice Chairman of University of Ilorin], Wende Olaosebikan [Chairperson of Osun State University] and others.

The zonal leadership said the meeting was convened to review the implementation status of the agreement signed in December 2025, as well as other lingering issues affecting university education in Nigeria.

ASUU expressed disappointment that, five months after the signing of the agreement following years of negotiation, several provisions remain either partially implemented or completely unimplemented across both federal and state universities.

According to the union, while some financial components such as the Consolidated Academic Allowance and Professorial Allowance have been partly implemented, other key elements, including Earned Academic Allowances, remain unattended in many institutions.

It further alleged that both tiers of government have also failed to fully implement several components of the agreement for up to four months, describing the situation as “unfortunate and unacceptable.”

The union also faulted the Federal Government for not inaugurating the Implementation Monitoring Committee (IMC), which it said was meant to ensure smooth execution of the agreement and reduce bureaucratic bottlenecks.

ASUU accused the Minister of Education of paying insufficient attention to the substantive issues in the agreement, warning that failure to act decisively could jeopardise industrial harmony in universities nationwide.

On welfare matters, the Ibadan Zone lamented unresolved issues including unremitted third-party deductions, promotion arrears, withheld salaries from previous industrial actions, and outstanding wage awards.

The union described the withholding of deductions such as pensions and cooperative contributions as “illegal and unjust,” insisting that lecturers should not be punished for industrial disputes arising from government neglect.

ASUU also criticised delays in the payment of pension benefits to retired professors in some state universities, warning that many retirees are being pushed into “avoidable hardship and indignity.”

The zone called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the National Assembly, judiciary, religious leaders, traditional rulers, and other stakeholders to intervene urgently to prevent a breakdown of industrial peace in the university system.

It warned that members across the country were becoming increasingly restive, adding that “a stitch in time saves nine.”

On education policy, ASUU rejected recent government pronouncements including the reversal of mother-tongue instruction in early childhood education and plans for transnational education partnerships, describing them as retrogressive.

The union also faulted the proposed Nigeria Education Repository Databank (NERD), arguing that it raises concerns over intellectual property rights and data protection.

It further opposed moves to scrap certain university courses deemed “irrelevant,” insisting that such decisions were misguided and detrimental to national development.

ASUU also decried what it described as increasing interference in university autonomy, particularly in staff recruitment and appointment of principal officers, alleging political influence in academic governance.

The union expressed strong opposition to the alleged attempt by the Niger State Government to take over the Bosso Campus of the Federal University of Technology (FUT), Minna, warning that the move could set a dangerous precedent.

On the state of the nation, ASUU lamented worsening economic hardship, rising insecurity, and escalating public debt, warning that Nigeria risks deeper instability if urgent corrective measures are not taken.

It particularly referenced the recent abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, describing it as evidence of the country’s deteriorating security situation.

The union also criticised the removal of fuel subsidy without adequate palliatives, saying the policy has worsened poverty and the cost of living.

ASUU further expressed concern over the high cost of elections, arguing that it reflects misplacement of priorities in governance.

The Ibadan Zone warned that continued neglect of the 2025 Agreement and unresolved welfare issues could lead to renewed industrial action, while reaffirming its commitment to dialogue and the survival of the university system.