The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has blamed both the Federal and state governments for the continuing challenges affecting Nigeria’s public university system.

ASUU President, Professor Christopher Piwuna, said the crisis was being prolonged by incomplete implementation of agreements, funding concerns and unresolved issues surrounding lecturers’ salaries and welfare.

Piwuna spoke amid renewed tension between the union and government over the implementation of the agreement reached in December 2025.

According to the ASUU president, the agreement was expected to provide a framework for greater stability in the university system and shift attention towards improving the quality of education and addressing broader challenges facing tertiary institutions.

However, he said implementation had remained inconsistent, with both federal and state authorities yet to fully meet their respective commitments.

Funding Remains a Major Concern

Piwuna said the December 2025 agreement contained provisions covering funding for public universities, improved remuneration for academic staff and the establishment of a research council, among other issues.

He noted that the responsibility for university administration and funding is divided between the Federal Government and state governments, depending on whether an institution is federally or state-owned.

The union has repeatedly raised concerns over what it describes as inadequate funding and delays in implementing agreed measures.

ASUU’s latest position comes as the union continues to demand action on outstanding issues affecting lecturers across public universities.

Salary Arrears and Welfare Issues

Another major point of contention is the payment of outstanding salaries owed to some university lecturers.

ASUU has said members were still affected by withheld salaries dating back to the previous administration, while deductions from lecturers’ earnings also remain an issue.

The union has warned that continued delays in resolving these matters could lead to further disruption of academic activities.

Piwuna previously said the union would not accept responsibility for any disruption resulting from the government’s failure to address the outstanding issues.

ASUU’s National Executive Council has also indicated that the suspended nationwide strike could be reactivated if the union’s demands are not addressed.

Government Implementation Under Scrutiny

The December 2025 agreement followed prolonged negotiations between the Federal Government and ASUU and included provisions relating to academic staff remuneration, university funding and research.

A proposed 40 per cent salary increase for academic staff was among the measures agreed during the negotiations.

However, ASUU maintains that implementation has not proceeded comprehensively across the university system.

The union is therefore calling for concrete action on the outstanding provisions as it continues discussions with government representatives.

With the possibility of renewed industrial action hanging over the public university system, the implementation of the agreement and resolution of salary and funding concerns remain key issues between ASUU and the authorities.