ASUU Akure Zone Warns Federal Government Against Provoking Unnecessary Conflict Over University Issues
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) in the Akure Zone has issued a asuu-urges-federal-govt-to-halt-9-new-varsities/” title=”… Urges … to Halt Plans for 9 New … Immediately”>stern warning to the federal government, urging it to avoid forcing the union into confrontations over persistent unresolved problems plaguing Nigeria’s university system.
Growing Frustration Over Government’s Handling of University Challenges
At a press briefing held at the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) in Ekiti State, ASUU’s Zonal Chairman, Professor Adeola Egbedokun, expressed deep dissatisfaction with the federal government’s approach to addressing long-standing issues within the higher education sector. He emphasized that despite over two years of patience and commitment to dialogue, the union’s tolerance is nearing its breaking point.
Unyielding Sacrifices Amidst Government Neglect
Professor Egbedokun highlighted the significant sacrifices made by ASUU members, noting that their well-being has been compromised in the hope that the government would fulfill its obligations. “Our members have endured tremendous hardships, trading their comfort for patience, expecting the government to act responsibly,” he stated.
Union’s Core Demands and Government’s Inaction
The union’s key demands include a fresh negotiation of the 2009 ASUU-Federal Government Agreement, outright rejection of the Tertiary Institutions Social Support Fund (TISSF) loan scheme-which ASUU condemns as a form of financial coercion-curbing the unchecked establishment of new universities, and enhancement of retirement benefits for academic staff and professors.
Endless Dialogues Yielding No Results
Egbedokun criticized the government’s pattern of endless meetings and consultations with various educational stakeholders, including the Minister of Education, describing these engagements as mere stalling tactics designed to exhaust the union’s resolve. “We have been caught in a cycle of delay and distraction, a cynical strategy to waste our time and undermine our commitment,” he remarked.
Appeals to Government Allies Fall on Deaf Ears
Despite reaching out to government sympathizers and appealing to their sense of responsibility, ASUU’s efforts have been met with persistent resistance and disregard. “Every attempt to find common ground has been blocked, pushing us to the brink,” Egbedokun lamented.
Condemnation of Government’s Disregard for Education
The union leader condemned the government’s neglect, citing the abandonment of the Yayale Ahmed report, the financial pitfalls of the TISSF loan scheme, the reckless surge in unregulated universities, and the harsh treatment of retired academics as evidence of systemic failure. “This administration has chosen to belittle knowledge, disrespect scholars, and undermine the foundation of our nation’s future,” he asserted.
ASUU’s Firm Stance Against Empty Promises
Professor Egbedokun made it clear that ASUU will no longer be placated by hollow assurances or loan schemes that burden academics. “Our endurance is not submission; our silence is not weakness. If the government persists in this betrayal, it will bear the full weight of historical judgment,” he warned.
Historical Accountability and the Future of Nigerian Universities
He further stressed that any administration that neglects intellectuals, exploits workers, and abandons its elderly academics will be remembered with disdain. “Their legacies will be tainted by failure, and their actions condemned as crimes against the nation’s progress,” Egbedokun declared.
Call to Action: The Government’s Choice and ASUU’s Resolve
“The responsibility now lies entirely with the government: to choose justice over judgment, constructive action over chaos, and peace over turmoil,” the Zonal Chairman stated. He assured union members that ASUU is prepared to respond decisively and without compromise to the challenges ahead.
Upcoming Nationwide Rallies to Signal Discontent
In conclusion, Egbedokun urged all ASUU members to participate actively in the rallies scheduled for Tuesday, August 26, 2025, across university campuses nationwide. He described these gatherings as the union’s initial firm response to the government’s continued neglect and a clear indication of more robust actions to come if their grievances remain unaddressed.
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