By Peter Omopo
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has rejected the Federal Government’s newly launched loan scheme for tertiary institution workers, describing it as a misplaced priority and a “poisoned chalice.”
Speaking at a press conference in Jos on Thursday, ASUU National President, Prof. Christopher Piwuna, said what Nigerian academics need is not loans but the implementation of the long-overdue 2009 agreement between the union and the government.
Two weeks ago, the Federal Government unveiled the Tertiary Institutions Staff Support Fund, a welfare initiative aimed at academic and non-academic staff across Nigeria’s tertiary institutions. Education Minister, Dr. Tunji Alausa, had said the scheme was designed to boost staff welfare and professional growth.
But Piwuna dismissed the move, insisting that the government should instead prioritize addressing key issues contained in the renegotiated 2009 agreement. These include improved conditions of service, funding for universities, academic freedom, university autonomy, and a review of laws governing JAMB and the NUC.
“Our members do not lack where to find loans; in fact, many are already drowning in debt,” Piwuna said. “What we need is improved purchasing power, not more credit facilities.”
The ASUU president also accused the government of dragging its feet on the renegotiation process despite receiving the Alhaji Yayale Ahmed Report in February 2025. He warned that the union could resort to strike action if the government fails to act swiftly.
“Time is running out. We will no longer tolerate a situation where those who fought to sustain the universities are treated with disdain,” he declared.
Piwuna further questioned why the government was pushing a loan initiative while university lecturers were still owed three and a half months’ salaries. “The funds earmarked for loans should be used to pay our withheld salaries,” he said.
ASUU announced plans for nationwide rallies across campuses next week as the “first shot” in its renewed agitation. The union’s National Executive Committee (NEC) is also set to review the outcome of a scheduled meeting with the government on August 28, 2025, before taking a final decision.
“We are determined to end government’s empty pronouncements on university education. Trust has been destroyed. It is now up to government to regain it—if they wish to avert another strike,” Piwuna warned.
