By Ayo Kehinde
Fresh tension is building in Nigeria’s university system as the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has given the Federal Government a four-day ultimatum to commence payment of the newly approved salary structure for lecturers, warning that failure to act could trigger decisive union action.
The ultimatum was issued on Thursday by ASUU President, Christopher Piwuna, while addressing members at Sa’adu Zungur University, Yuli Campus, in Bauchi. He said the countdown begins immediately, expressing concern over delays in implementing agreements reached with the government.
“We have issued a four-day ultimatum from today to the federal government to commence payment of the newly approved salary structure. Failure to comply will attract a strong response from the union”, Piwuna stated.
He decried what he described as the Federal Government’s persistent failure to honour agreements with ASUU, noting that such lapses have historically led to industrial disputes and disruptions in the academic calendar. According to him, prompt implementation of the revised salary structure would boost lecturers’ morale, improve productivity, and help retain skilled academics within the country.
Piwuna also weighed in on reports of a proposed Nigerian campus of Coventry University, following recent engagements involving President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during his visit to London. He said the union would oppose the move, arguing that it could undermine the growth and relevance of local universities.
Describing the development as a form of educational imbalance, the ASUU president urged the Federal Government to prioritise strengthening Nigerian universities through improved funding, infrastructure, and sustained collaboration with the union.
He added that investing in local institutions remains the most effective way to meet the educational needs of Nigeria’s growing population.
