ASUU, like PENGASAN: And the Unending Trauma of the Nigerian Federal University Students. 

By: Dr. James Bwala

The academic landscape in Nigeria is fraught with challenges that have a profound impact on students’ lives, particularly within the federal university system. Central to this discourse is the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), like the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASAN), both of which serve as pivotal players in the orchestration of educational policies and policies in the oil sector and conditions within their respective domains. The persistent conflicts, strikes, and policies instituted by these unions have created an atmosphere of instability and uncertainty that significantly affects students and Nigerians. The implications of ASUU and PENGASAN on Nigerian federal university students and the nightmares of fuel queues among Nigerians generally have a long history. Exploring the historical context of their formation, the recurrent strikes they undertake, the psychological and academic trauma experienced by students, and the broader consequences on Nigerians and Nigeria’s educational sector is huge. 

The inception of ASUU in 1978 arose from the necessity to address the deteriorating conditions of academic staff in Nigerian universities. Established with the aim to advocate for better remuneration and improved working conditions, ASUU became a significant voice for university lecturers’ rights. As a union, it quickly grew to encompass broader issues within the educational sector, including the quest for greater budget allocations and autonomy for federal universities.

Conversely, PENGASAN emerged as a counterpart for oil workers, seeking similar objectives of improved conditions and recognition. Both unions echo decades of systemic neglect characterized by inadequate funding, lack of infrastructure, and insufficient support for research and development in Nigeria’s higher education system as well as the shifts required for the oil workers. They always cried out, directing their actions to what they called the unfulfilled promises by the government. But who is really not making an attempt to shift ground? ASUU or government? Of course those with little or no information about what is going on at the table of meetings will always want to point a finger at the government. The very lie they told you is that ASUU is fighting for the rights of all, and we believed them as carriers of the true message. Always the resultant tensions between educational bodies, the oil sector, and the state have led to numerous strikes, which have become a recurring theme in the academic calendar for the universities and the ugly experiences Nigerians had to deal with wheneverPENGASAN made a move until recently exposed in the case with Dangote. 

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We are heading towards another round of strikes again by ASUU despite the efforts of the government under this administration to ensure a soft landing for all Nigerians and particularly students seeking education in federal universities. Strikes instigated by ASUU, like PENGASAN, have become emblematic of the struggles within Nigeria as a nation. Nigeria’s educational sector and the oil sector are areas of discussion amongst citizens recently. The most recent decades have seen these unions engage in strike actions that have spanned from weeks to months, bringing the academic calendar to a standstill and forcing motorists out of the roads as a result. For instance, ASUU’s strike in 2022 lasted over eight months due to grievances surrounding underfunding and the implementation of agreements made with the government. Such prolonged disruptions are not just an inconvenience; they precipitate a cascade of negative effects for students, and the private universities are cashing in on this and strangling parents who had to pay through their nose to see to the education of their children. And this same ASUU, which is benefitting from an extended hand in the private education sector, is looking the other way as parents sweat it to meet the least they must do for their children. 

Academically, strikes lead to the elongation of degree programs, compounding the already lengthy process of obtaining a university education in Nigeria. The psychological toll cannot be understated; students face anxiety over their futures, uncertainty concerning job prospects, and the diminished quality of education due to inconsistent attendance and sporadic learning experiences. The change in academic timelines often disrupts students’ plans, resulting in financial strain as many students depend on family support or scholarships that typically have fixed durations. Certainly this bad experience gave birth to a disease we are all experiencing today in the name of violent and cyber crimes, or Yahoo-Yahoo, an education most students get from self-teachings in very dark universities. And this has become a problem for the whole society. 

Additionally, the overlap of strikes with an unstable economy means that many students are also grappling with financial insecurity, which necessitates the other way round. With students from lower socio-economic backgrounds affected disproportionately, the impact of these strikes exacerbates existing inequalities in access to quality education, and we are making do with what is at hand—the bad deeds and the resultant returns.

The trauma inflicted upon Nigerian federal university students extends beyond academic interruptions. Students endure a complex web of psychological stressors, manifesting as anxiety, depression, and loss of motivation. The constant uncertainty regarding when or if classes will resume creates an environment rife with frustration and despair. This mental health crisis among students has been acknowledged yet remains largely unaddressed by university administrations and government bodies. The social fabric of university life is disrupted during strikes. Students miss out on critical developmental experiences that occur within a vibrant campus setting—interactions that foster networking, communication skills, and emotional intelligence. Many students feel isolated during these periods, leading to a sense of disconnection from their peers and the academic community. The lack of engagement in academic settings can lead to a culture where students feel disenfranchised and voiceless, further breeding cynicism towards the democratic processes that govern their education.

The continuous cycles of strikes and unrest within the Nigerian federal university system highlight deeper systemic issues. Despite efforts being put in place to reach agreements, ASUU has in most cases been unwilling to shift ground, causing setbacks in every sitting government, and this lack of agreements with ASUU, as with PENGASAN, is indicative of a broader disregard for the importance of education and the future of Nigeria’s youth. This neglect results in a myriad of outcomes that affect not only students but the entire nation.

One significant consequence other than what I mentioned earlier is the brain drain phenomenon. Many qualified individuals, frustrated by the poor educational infrastructure and lack of opportunities domestically, opt to seek education and employment abroad. This exodus of talent diminishes the potential for innovation and economic growth within Nigeria, perpetuating a cycle of dependency on foreign expertise and limiting the country’s ability to develop homegrown solutions to its challenges.

In a competitive global environment, the quality of graduates produced by Nigerian universities is increasingly scrutinized. Disruptions caused by strikes affect the perception of these institutions both locally and internationally. Prospective students may reconsider enrolling in Nigerian universities, leading to a decline in enrollment rates and the subsequent financial crises faced by these institutions. The intersection of ASUU and PENGASAN’s activities with the experiences of Nigerian federal university students paints a stark picture of an educational landscape marred by conflict and instability. 

While these unions play crucial roles in advocating for the rights and needs of academic staff and workers in their drives, the consequences of their actions resonate negatively through the lives of students and Nigerians who find themselves caught in the crossfire. The unending trauma experienced by these students—including prolonged academic timelines, psychological distress, and a compromised educational environment—demands urgent attention and reform. Addressing these challenges requires a collaborative effort between the government, educational institutions, and student bodies. It is imperative that stakeholders prioritize dialogue and negotiations that yield tangible improvements in funding, infrastructure, and overall educational policies. Only through concerted efforts can the negative cycles of strikes and trauma be mitigated, paving the way for a more stable, equitable, and empowering educational experience for all Nigerian federal university students.

* James Bwala, PhD, writes from Abuja

ASUU, like PENGASAN: And the Unending Trauma of the Nigerian Federal University Students. 

Pay us all our dues or prepare for indefinite strike…. ASUU to the federal government

By: Bodunrin Kayode

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has decried the federal government’s failure to remit third-party deductions, such as cooperative contributions and pension funds belonging to its members.

Chair of unimaid branch Dr Habu Mshelia in a recent interview described the action of the federal government as a serious breach of legal and ethical obligations to it’s members and called for it’s immediate reversal.

Dr Mshelia regretted that this systemic sabotage which started with the introduction of the integrated payroll and personnel information system (IPPIS) not only erodes trust but also jeopardizes the future retirement benefits of those who have faithfully contributed to these schemes.

“ASUU demands immediate rectification of this injustice and full restoration of financial integrity across all remittance channels.” He warned.

Mshelia maintained during the parley that ” These deductions, taken from members’ salaries, have not reached the appropriate bodies, crippling welfare schemes and jeopardizing future retirement benefits.

He added that: “This injustice must be urgently addressed to restore financial integrity and protect the economic well-being of our members.

“Since the adoption of IPPIS, these remittances have been withheld, crippling welfare schemes and threatening the financial security of our members. Worse still, the government’s actions appear to deliberately undermine the GIFMIS platform under the guise of salary vetting by IPPIS.

“This has led to consistent delays in salary payments, often by one to two weeks, causing unnecessary hardship and anxiety among academic staff.” Said the chairman.

Mshelia who briefed newsmen recently in Maiduguri said their lingering campaign against the wrong doings of the federal government was not a mere statement but a call to conscience. “A reaffirmation of their unwavering commitment to the defence of quality education, academic integrity, University autonomy and the dignity of university staff across the country.

“We speak today not only for ourselves, but for the future of Nigeria’s youth, for the sanctity of our institutions, and for the soul of a nation that must choose between progress and decay.

“Let it be known: ASUU will not remain silent while the foundations of our universities are eroded. We will not stand idle as agreements are dishonoured and our members are subjected to economic hardship and institutional disrespect.

The union leaders then called for the completion of certain unfinished businesses which they believe will bring harmony between them.

On the desperate need to renegotiate the 2009 agreement, Mshelia warned that
“The government’s refusal to sign the renegotiated agreement continues a troubling pattern of broken promises. Sixteen years after the original agreement, meant to address chronic underfunding, poor infrastructure, and inadequate remuneration, most of its provisions remain unfulfilled.”

Dr Mshelia regretted that certain reports like the 2012 Needs Assessment and pledges (MOU & MOA) made in 2017 and 2020 have all been ignored by the Federal government adding that “The Yayale Ahmed Committee Report now joins this list of abandoned commitments; Nemi Briggs Committee report; Professor Munzali Jubril committee report; the Babalakin led committee report.

He stressed that : “This persistent sabotage of Collective Bargaining condemns lecturers to poverty amid rising inflation and unbearable living costs. ASUU rejects this economic injustice and will resist any attempt to erode the integrity of Nigeria’s university system. Enough is enough.”

On payment of withheld salaries and arrears, the chairman regretted that “many of our members continue to suffer from unpaid salary arrears amounting to but not limited to 25–35% wage award. Promotion arrears, legally due to academics who earned them through merit, remain unpaid in many institutions including ours for over four years.

“Additionally, the punitive withholding of three and a half months’ salaries during the 2022 ASUU strike persists as an act of victimization. Immediate settlement of most of these arrears is essential to restore fairness, boost morale, and maintain industrial harmony within the academic community.

Speaking on terminal benefits of retired members, Mshelia lamented that members of the union were treated as trash instead of given the dignity of an emeritus professor.

“How on earth do you pay a professor 150k as pension after his selfless service to the nation? AProfessors who have dedicated over four decades to educating generations retire on a meagre ₦150,000 under the Contributory Pension Scheme, while inflation exceeds 21%. This is not just a labour issue; it is a national disgrace.

Assault on University Autonomy

“The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), University of Maiduguri Chapter, unequivocally condemns the recent unilateral decision to rename the University of Maiduguri as Muhammadu Buhari University. This action is not only provocative, it is a blatant violation of the principle of university autonomy and a grave affront to the values of academic freedom, institutional integrity, and democratic governance.

“Universities are not political ornaments to be rebranded at the whim of power. They are intellectual sanctuaries, built on decades of scholarship, sacrifice, and service. The name University of Maiduguri is deeply rooted in the cultural, historical, and academic identity of the region. It reflects the aspirations of generations and the legacy of a community that has nurtured knowledge in the face of adversity.

“To erase that legacy without consultation is to insult the very soul of the institution. The President Bola Ahmed Tinubu policy statement, imposed without engagement with the university community, governing council, or stakeholders, sets a dangerous precedence. It signals a shift toward the politicization of our universities, where decisions are made not in the interest of education, but in pursuit of personal glorification. If allowed to stand, it will erode the credibility of our institutions and undermine the autonomy that is essential to their survival.

“ASUU stands as the unwavering voice of academic integrity and institutional independence. We do not respond with emotion, we respond with facts, with principle, and with resolve. The widespread rejection of this renaming, from alumni, students, staff, and civil society, is both justified and necessary.

“We call on all members of the Union, and indeed all Nigerians who value education, to continue their clear-eyed perspectives and decisive pronouncements. These have always guided our deliberations as we chart a path forward. Let it be known: We reject this ill-conceived and deeply offensive decision. We demand its immediate reversal. We reaffirm that the identity of a university must reflect its heritage, not serve as a monument to political power.

“The legacy of UNIMAID—painstakingly built over five decades—will not be sacrificed on the altar of political expediency. ASUU will not relent, will not surrender, and will not allow the autonomy of our universities to be trampled in silence.”

” We call on the Federal Government to honour its commitments. Parents, students, and the Nigerian public to see this as a fight for the future. NANS and student bodies to demand their right to quality education. Civil society, labour unions, religious and traditional leaders to intervene before another shutdown”.
He concluded.

Pay us all our dues or prepare for indefinite strike…. ASUU to the federal government

United Nations Nigeria Reaffirms support for Malala Fund and Girls’ Education

By: Michael Mike

The United Nations in Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to work with Malala Fund in its mission to advance the right to education and address the challenges that keep millions of children, especially girls, out of school.

The promise was made over the weekend in Abuja during a strategic engagement by the UN team with Nobel Laureate and Malala Fund co-founder, Ms. Malala Yousafzai, alongside the organisation’s executive team and board members. The UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mr. Mohamed Fall, underscored the UN’s dedication to promoting inclusive and equitable education for all.

Fall said: “The UN reaffirms its support to the Malala Fund in advancing the right of the girl-child to quality education and breaking barriers to education access,” said Mr. Fall, “No child should be left behind.”

The UN Resident Coordinator led a UN delegation comprising representatives from UNICEF, UNESCO, UNDP, UNFPA, and UN Women to the meeting. He emphasized that meaningful societal transformation hinges on robust investment in human capital, particularly through education for girls and empowerment of women.

Fall added that: “Together with the government and our partners, we are committed to dismantling the obstacles that prevent children, especially the most vulnerable, from accessing education.”

He identified key barriers to education in Nigeria, including insecurity, economic hardship, climate change, and entrenched socio-cultural norms. He called for intensified efforts to promote gender equality and strengthen social cohesion as critical pathways to sustainable development.

Malala, who arrived in Abuja on September 26 for the Malala Fund Board of Directors annual meeting, reiterated Nigeria’s central role in the Fund’s global strategy for 2025–2030.

She said: “Nigeria is a priority country for Malala Fund. Since 2014, we have invested over $8 million in Nigerian partner organisations working to break down the barriers keeping girls out of school.”

She outlined the Malala Fund’s strategic priorities in Nigeria, which include: ensuring married and pregnant girls can return to school; increasing education financing and ensuring it meets girls’ needs; and using education as a policy solution to ending child marriage.

The Chief Executive Officer of Malala Fund Nigeria, Ms Nabila Aguele reiterated the commitment of the organisation to ensuring all girls could access and complete 12 years of school in Nigeria. She emphasised Malala Fund’s focus onstrengthening rights and securing resources for girls’ secondary education.

Ms. Yousafzai is expected in Abuja to engage with young girls and education advocates supported by the Malala Fund to hear firsthand their stories, aspirations, and the changes they wish to see in their communities. She will also meet with key government and civil society leaders to galvanize momentum for policy reforms and collaborative action to accelerate progress on girls’ education nationwide.

United Nations Nigeria Reaffirms support for Malala Fund and Girls’ Education