The recurring strikes by public higher institutions, particularly the Academic Staff

Still On ASUU Strike

Union of Universities (ASUU), have become a worrisome trend that must be tackled headlong. Once again, the gates of our public universities are shut, lecture halls are deserted, and students are stranded at home.
Victims of an unending cycle of industrial disputes between the federal government and ASUU.
At the heart of this perennial crisis is the non implementation or, at best, the partial implementation of the 2009 Agreement reached between the federal government and ASUU.

For over a decade and a half, this agreement has been a source of contention, as successive administrations have either neglected or failed to fully honor the commitments made to the union. What started as a promise to improve university education, welfare, and infrastructure has since turned into a recurring nightmare for students, lecturers, and parents alike.

Before his election, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, during his presidential campaigns, repeatedly assured Nigerians that if elected, he would put an end to the incessant ASUU strikes. Many Nigerians believed that with his experience and promises, lasting peace would finally return to the nation’s university system. Unfortunately, that assurance is now being tested as the two-week warning strike declared by ASUU has crippled academic activities across campuses nationwide.

This latest strike, which has once again altered the academic calendar, will no doubt negatively affect students who have no choice but to wait on both government and ASUU to reach a resolution. The situation has been further worsened by the ongoing war of words and bickering between the Minister of Education and ASUU leadership, a development that does nothing to foster trust or progress in negotiations.

This recurring crisis raises fundamental questions about governance and accountability. Why do successive governments continue to renege on agreements they willingly signed?
Why does it always take a strike before serious attention is paid to issues that could have been resolved through proactive engagement and transparency?
While it is true that the government has implemented parts of the 2009 agreement, much remains undone. It is time for the federal government to demonstrate genuine commitment and seriousness by ensuring that outstanding parts of the agreement are implemented in full consultation with ASUU. Empty promises and half-hearted efforts will only deepen mistrust and prolong the stalemate.

Continuous strikes and disruptions in our universities serve no one. They diminish the quality of education, extend the duration of academic programmes, and ultimately produce half-baked graduates who are ill-prepared for the demands of the modern workforce. The toll on students’ morale, parents’ finances, and the nation’s human capital development cannot be overstated.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu should, as a matter of national urgency, personally lead the negotiation process with ASUU. Beyond promises, he must ensure that concrete steps are taken to address the core issues and that a clear monitoring mechanism is established for the implementation of agreed terms. His leadership at this crucial moment would signal sincerity and political will to end this recurring national embarrassment.
On their part, ASUU should also be guided by patriotism and understanding. While the union’s demands are legitimate, it must recognize the broader economic realities and show flexibility where renegotiations are necessary. The goal should not just be about securing benefits for lecturers, but also safeguarding the future of Nigeria’s education system.

Enough, indeed, is enough. The time has come for both the federal government and ASUU to end this cycle of strikes once and for all. The future of millions of young Nigerians and the integrity of our university system depends on it.

Tochukwu Jimo Obi,Abuja