By Israel Adamu, Jos
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Plateau State University, Bokkos branch, has expressed concern over what it described as the non-implementation of the 2025 agreement between the Federal Government and the union, warning that the situation could threaten industrial harmony in Nigerian universities.
Chairperson of the branch, Comrade Choji Vincent, who addressed newsmen on Tuesday, said the position followed the outcome of the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of ASUU held at the Modibbo Adama University, Yola, from May 9 to 10, 2026, where the state of the nation’s university system was reviewed.
He noted that the NEC also assessed the level of implementation of the Federal Government–ASUU agreement signed on December 23, 2025, adding that after exhaustive deliberations, the union resolved to brief the press on developments affecting the sector.
Vincent said ASUU was particularly worried about the failure to inaugurate the Implementation Monitoring Committee, which is expected to facilitate the execution of the agreement, eliminate bureaucratic bottlenecks and guide its effective implementation.
According to him, the delay has led to distortions in implementation across federal and state universities, with institutions selectively applying components of the agreement, especially in the payment of salary-related allowances.
“These include the Consolidated Academic Allowance, Professional Allowance and Responsibility Allowance. While some universities have implemented a few components, others have yet to commence implementation due to lack of funding from the Federal and State Governments,” he said.
He added that some state governments have argued that the agreement was signed between ASUU and the Federal Government, despite their involvement in the negotiation process that led to the agreement.
The union, however, commended some institutions for making progress and urged others to follow suit to avoid industrial unrest.
On research funding, ASUU criticised the Federal Government’s unilateral decision to establish the National Research and Innovation Development Fund (NRIDF), as announced by the Minister of Education, Maruf Tunji Alausa, on April 7, 2026, without recourse to the agreement earlier reached with the union.
Vincent said the union was concerned about the structure and funding model of the initiative, particularly the decision to denominate it in foreign currency, describing it as questionable and inconsistent with agreed terms.
He reiterated ASUU’s commitment to contributing to policy development but urged the Federal Government to be guided by the provisions of the agreement in implementing reforms in the education sector.
The union also raised concerns over unresolved staff welfare issues, including outstanding entitlements of lecturers, promotion arrears, unpaid allowances and delays in the remittance of third-party deductions.
ASUU further decried salary shortfalls linked to the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS), stressing that no nation can achieve meaningful development while neglecting the welfare of its academics.
“Subjecting lecturers to the ‘no work, no pay’ policy undermines the dignity of scholars and reduces them to casual workers,” Vincent said.
On the welfare of retired members, the union lamented the alleged neglect of pensioners, particularly in state universities, where retirees are owed several years of pension arrears.
It accused the National Pension Commission (PENCOM) of delays in the harmonisation and payment of benefits, describing the situation as inhumane.
ASUU Plateau University also lamented the high level of insecurity in the nation, stressing that it has worsened the conditions of Nigerians whose lives and livelihoods depend on daily incomes .
ASUU called on President Bola Tinubu to urgently intervene and address the challenges in order to ease tensions and restore confidence in the university system.
The union also faulted recent policy pronouncements in the education sector, including the reported reversal of the mother-tongue policy in early childhood education in favour of English.
It argued that the move is a setback, noting that the use of indigenous languages for instruction in early education is globally recognised as best practice and rooted in extensive research.