The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has been in a long-standing battle with the Federal Government of Nigeria (FG) over issues affecting public universities. These strikes, often prolonged, disrupt academic calendars, leaving students frustrated and the educational system in disarray.
This guide provides an in-depth analysis of the ASUU strikes, their causes, impacts, and possible solutions. By the end of this article, you’ll have a detailed understanding of why these strikes persist and what can be done to prevent them in the future.
ASUU was founded in 1978, but its strike actions became prominent in the 1980s. The union’s primary goal is to advocate for better university funding, improved lecturers’ welfare, and overall education reform.
Nigeria allocates less than 7% of its budget to education, far below UNESCO’s recommended 15-20%. This leads to:
ASUU demands include:
Many Nigerian universities lack:
The FG has repeatedly signed agreements (2009, 2013, 2017, 2020) but failed to implement them fully.
| Year | Duration | Main Reason | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1988 | 2 months | Poor funding | Partial agreement |
| 1992 | 3 months | Autonomy issues | FG conceded |
| 1994 | 6 months | Unpaid salaries | Payment made |
| 2007 | 3 months | Failed agreements | Renegotiation |
| 2013 | 5 months | Funding issues | FG promised reforms |
| 2020 | 9 months | IPPIS, unpaid allowances | Strike suspended after partial resolution |
The 2022 ASUU strike was one of the longest, lasting 8 months. Key issues included:
The strike was suspended after FG agreed to:
The FG’s approach has often been reactive rather than proactive:
A: Over 20 times since 1988.
A: The 2020-2022 strike (9 months).
A: Possible if FG fails to meet agreements.
The ASUU-FG conflict is a recurring issue that requires urgent attention. To prevent future strikes:
✔ Increase education funding.
✔ Honor agreements promptly.
✔ Involve students in negotiations.
By implementing these solutions, Nigeria can end the cycle of strikes and build a better education system.
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ASUU Calls Off 9-Months Old Strike, Effects on IJMB and JUPEB: Academic Staff Union of University, ASUU Calls off 9-months old strike today, Wednesday, 23rd of December, 2020 on conditions after series of negotiations with the Federal Government of Nigeria.
