The Academic Staff Union of Universities has urged the Federal Government to improve funding for public universities, warning that sustainable investment in education remains the only way to end strikes and raise Nigeria’s global university ranking.
ASUU President, Professor Chris Piwuna, made the appeal while addressing the Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFund. He said the ongoing two-week warning strike stems from unresolved issues dating back to 2011 and criticised the government for ignoring key reports and agreements.
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Professor Piwuna disclosed that of the ₦150 billion approved by the National Assembly for universities, only ₦50 billion has been released, and remains at the Ministry of Education. He cautioned that the funds must be used solely for universities, warning against any plan to share them with other tertiary institutions.
The union also accused the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, of attempting to encroach on the University of Abuja’s 10,000-hectare land and appealed to the Senate to intervene. ASUU insists its demands on funding, academic autonomy, and improved working conditions remain unchanged.
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