The President of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Prof. Chris Piwuna, has issued a passionate plea to the Federal Government regarding the severe economic pressures facing the Nigerian populace.
Speaking on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, in Abuja, during the unveiling of the historic 2025 FG-ASUU Agreement, Piwuna called on the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, to act as a messenger for the people. He urged the Minister to convey the reality of citizen struggles to the Federal Executive Council (FEC).
A Message to the Cabinet: “Meals are Hard to Come By”
During his address, Prof. Piwuna did not mince words about the domestic financial crisis. He requested that the Minister inform his cabinet colleagues that high transportation costs and food insecurity are pushing families to their limits.
“Please tell your colleagues that the economic situation is still hard,” Piwuna stated. “Meals are hard to come by, transportation remains a challenge, and families are struggling to keep body and soul together.”
Despite these economic concerns, the ASUU President noted a positive shift in the nation’s safety. He commended security agencies for their recent proactivity and urged them to maintain their momentum.
The 2025 Agreement: A Turning Point for Higher Education
The event centered on the unveiling of a new pact aimed at revitalizing Nigeria’s tertiary institutions. This breakthrough follows a long and often stalled renegotiation of the original 2009 agreement, a process that began in 2017.
The current administration successfully moved the needle by inaugurating a committee led by Yayale Ahmed in October 2024. Consequently, this new 2025 agreement focuses on several pillars of reform:
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Conditions of Service: Improving the welfare of academic staff to curb the “brain drain.”
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Funding and Autonomy: Increasing financial support while granting universities more independence.
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Academic Freedom: Protecting the intellectual integrity of the university system.
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National Development: Repositioning schools to contribute more effectively to the country’s growth.
Collaboration on Tax Reforms
In a move toward constructive dialogue, Prof. Piwuna extended an invitation to Dr. Taiwo Oyedele, Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms.
ASUU hopes to host Oyedele at its next National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Abuja. The union believes it can offer valuable insights into the tax reform process, aiming for a collaborative approach that benefits both the government and the academic community.
Protecting the Integrity of Professorships
While celebrating the new agreement, Prof. Piwuna also raised an alarm regarding internal university governance. He specifically criticized the mismanagement of funds and weak administrative structures in certain institutions.
A significant point of contention involved the Federal Universities of Education. Piwuna alleged that some of these newly established schools are compromising the rigorous standards required for professorial appointments. He called on Vice-Chancellors to review recent promotions to ensure that academic excellence is not traded for political or administrative convenience.
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