University Lecturers in Ilorin Rally for Government Action on Education Crisis
On Tuesday, members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) at the University of Ilorin organized a peaceful demonstration to highlight the ongoing challenges faced by university educators across Nigeria. The protest aimed to urge the federal government to fulfill longstanding agreements and address critical issues undermining the nation’s higher education system.
Highlighting the Urgency of Unresolved Agreements
The lecturers emphasized that the rally was a response to the federal government’s failure to implement agreements reached with ASUU since 2009. This delay threatens to escalate into a full-blown crisis within Nigerian universities, potentially disrupting academic activities nationwide.
Voices from the Protest: Demands and Messages
Participants carried placards bearing messages such as “Respect and Implement ASUU Agreements,” “Enhance University Infrastructure,” and “University Staff Deserve Fair Treatment-Increase Education Funding.” These slogans underscored the lecturers’ call for improved working conditions and adequate government support.
ASUU Ilorin Chairman Appeals for Public Support
Dr. Alex Akanmu, ASUU Chairman at the University of Ilorin, appealed to the public to pressure the government into meeting the union’s demands. He warned that continued neglect could lead to further disruptions in academic calendars, affecting students and the nation’s educational progress.
“While we remain committed to peaceful advocacy, we cannot tolerate ongoing delays that jeopardize our members’ welfare. Our dedication to Nigeria is unwavering, but so is our demand for recognition and fair treatment,” Dr. Akanmu stated.
Key Issues Raised by ASUU
The union outlined several critical concerns requiring immediate government intervention:
- Reopening negotiations on the 2009 ASUU-Federal Government agreement
- Ensuring sustainable funding and revitalization of university infrastructure
- Granting full autonomy to universities
- Settling outstanding salary arrears ranging from 25% to 35%
- Addressing unpaid promotion arrears exceeding four years
- Resolving issues related to third-party deductions and Earned Academic Allowance integration
Stagnant Salaries and Broken Promises
Dr. Akanmu highlighted that despite the 2009 agreement’s provision for salary reviews every three years, academic salaries have remained largely unchanged for over sixteen years. This stagnation has left Nigerian academics financially disadvantaged compared to their international peers.
“Repeated attempts at renegotiation, often initiated by the government, have failed to yield results, as draft agreements remain unimplemented,” he explained.
Government’s Response and the Alhaji Yayale Ahmed Report
The union pointed to the Alhaji Yayale Ahmed Report, submitted in February 2025, which consolidates all contentious issues and reflects a consensus with ASUU. The union views the government’s delay in acting on this report as a tactic to stall progress.
With a scheduled meeting on August 28, 2025, ASUU members express growing impatience, demanding concrete actions rather than prolonged discussions.
Funding Deficits and the Decline of Nigerian Universities
Dr. Akanmu stressed the urgent need to address the chronic underfunding of Nigerian universities. While UNESCO recommends that countries allocate between 15% and 26% of their national budgets to education, Nigeria’s allocation for 2025 barely reaches 7%, a figure insufficient to sustain quality education and infrastructure.
“Years of neglect have pushed our university system to the brink, threatening the future of higher education in Nigeria,” he concluded.
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