The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has accused the Federal Government of abandoning Nigerian lecturers on a salary structure that has remained unchanged for 15 years, warning that the union is on the brink of resuming its suspended nationwide strike.
Speaking at a press briefing in Benin City on Monday, the Benin Zone of ASUU said the Federal Government failed to make meaningful progress within the one-month window given to conclude renegotiation of the 2009 agreement.
Zonal Coordinator, Prof Monday Igbafen, who was flanked by leaders of the four universities in the zone, said the situation reflects government’s “blatant unwillingness” to address the lingering issues destabilising Nigeria’s public universities.
“It is both regrettable and shameful that government has refused to holistically resolve the outstanding matters needed to restore industrial harmony in our universities,” Igbafen said.
He noted that while some non-monetary issues had recorded partial progress, the key components—salary review and improved conditions of service—remain untouched.
ASUU rejected the latest salary proposal from government, describing it as grossly inadequate and incapable of addressing the worsening brain drain in the sector.
“The reality is that Nigerian lecturers are still being paid salaries fixed in 2009, when the naira traded at 120 to the dollar,” he said. “Today, a professor earns less than $400 monthly. This is scandalous and a direct assault on the dignity of the Nigerian academic.”
He added that prolonged stagnation of wages is fuelling frustration, pushing scholars out of the country and deepening the crisis in the university system.
Igbafen also faulted recent comments from top government officials, including the Minister of Education, saying their posture does not reflect a sincere commitment to resolving the dispute.
According to him, Nigeria’s growing revenue profile shows that government can afford to meet ASUU’s demands if it has the political will. He referenced FAAC data showing states received N5.81 trillion in 2024—up from N3.92 trillion in 2022—while federal revenue rose from N3.42 trillion to N4.65 trillion in the same period.
“For us, the issue is not about economic difficulty but lack of political will,” he said.
He warned that the union’s Benin Zone is fully prepared to abide by whatever directive ASUU’s National Executive Council gives at the end of the one-month ultimatum.
“At the expiration of this window, if nothing changes, the NEC’s directive will determine our next steps,” he added.
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