ASUU Cries Out Over Same Salary For 15 Years, Threatens Fresh Strike

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The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has expressed deep concern over what it described as the 15-year stagnation of academic salaries in Nigerian public universities, warning that a fresh nationwide strike may soon be unavoidable.

Speaking at a press briefing in Benin City on Tuesday, November 18, the Benin Zone of the union accused the Federal Government of failing to utilise the one-month ultimatum given to it to conclude the renegotiation of the 2009 ASUU–FG agreement.

Addressing journalists on behalf of the zone, Prof. Monday Igbafen, the Zonal Coordinator, said the government’s conduct reflects a “blatant unwillingness” to resolve the long-running crisis undermining Nigeria’s public university system.

According to Igbafen, while some non-monetary aspects of the 2009 agreement have been addressed, the critical issues relating to salary, welfare and conditions of service “remain a sore point” that requires urgent and comprehensive intervention.

He said:

“It is not only regrettable but sad to inform you that the Federal Government has again demonstrated a blatant unwillingness to quickly and holistically resolve all the outstanding issues to restore the desired industrial harmony in our public universities.”

Lecturers Still Earn 2009 Salaries Despite Naira Collapse

The ASUU leader reaffirmed the union’s rejection of the government’s proposed salary increment, describing it as insignificant compared to the economic realities lecturers now face.

He noted that Nigerian academics have remained on the same salary scale since 2009, when the naira exchanged for ₦120 to $1, compared to today’s vastly depreciated value.

“The most obvious implication of the refusal of the government to conclude this negotiation is that university teachers in Nigeria have continued with the same salary regime of 2009,” Igbafen said.

Highlighting the gravity of the situation, he added:

“A professor at the bar earns less than $400 per month, which is a scandalous under-valuation of Nigerian scholars.”

Igbafen described the 15-year salary freeze as “wicked, inhuman, and a catalyst for resistance, industrial disharmony and brain drain.”

He also criticised the stance of key government officials, including the Minister of Education, alleging that their posture has been “antithetical to a genuine and speedy resolution” of the dispute.

ASUU: Government Has No Excuse as Revenues Have Grown Significantly

Arguing that the issue was not a matter of inadequate resources, Igbafen cited official revenue figures to support ASUU’s position.

According to him:

• State revenues grew from ₦3.92 trillion in 2022 to ₦5.81 trillion in 2024 — an increase of more than 62%.

• Federal Government generated revenue rose from ₦3.42 trillion in 2022 to ₦4.65 trillion in 2024, representing over 70% growth.

He insisted that the real challenge is a “lack of political will” rather than a shortage of funds.

Union May Resume Strike After Ultimatum Expires

Igbafen warned that the Benin Zone would fully comply with any directive issued by ASUU’s National Executive Council (NEC) regarding the resumption of industrial action should the government fail to conclude negotiations.

“Benin Zone of ASUU is ready for the directive of the NEC of our union to resume the suspended strike action at the expiration of the given one-month window,” he stated.

The development signals another potentially prolonged disruption in Nigeria’s public university system as tensions between the union and the Federal Government persist.