ASUU denies receiving N50bn revitalisation fund, warns of possible strike resumption

ASUU denies receiving N50bn revitalisation fund, warns of possible strike resumption

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has rejected claims by the Federal Government that it recently released N50 billion as part of the promised revitalisation fund for public universities.

In a statement on Wednesday, the union said no such funds had been received, insisting that none of its major demands has been met ahead of its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting scheduled for November 8 and 9, 2025.

The statement, signed by Prof. Jurbe Molwus, recalled that ASUU suspended its two-week strike “in good faith” after assurances from top government officials that concrete proposals would be made to address lingering issues in the university system.

“But all we get is press releases by the Honourable Minister of Education. What we need is credit alerts and not misleading releases,” Molwus said, stressing that outstanding entitlements — including 3.5 months withheld salaries, wage award arrears, promotion arrears and unpaid salaries — remain unsettled.

He dismissed claims by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, that N2.3 billion had been released to clear promotion and salary arrears, describing the amount as “grossly inadequate.”

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“Can a meagre N2.3bn settle the backlog of arrears in all federal universities? Absolutely not. That amount can barely cover three large universities,” he stated.

The union accused the government of misinformation, warning that its four-week ultimatum — which expires on November 21 — still stands.

“ASUU should not be blamed if it resumes its suspended strike in the next two weeks. Our members are losing patience as they wait for their legitimate entitlements,” the statement read.

The union declared a two-week strike on October 12 after accusing the government of neglecting staff welfare, infrastructure funding, and implementation of the 2009 ASUU-FGN agreement. The federal government responded by directing universities to enforce a “No Work, No Pay” policy.

Following Senate intervention, lawmakers have pledged to open new negotiations with ASUU and relevant ministries, while also seeking resolution of the University of Abuja land dispute with the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.

ASUU insists that the strike was only suspended, not called off, and says the government must act “to avoid a total shutdown of public universities.”

ASUU denies receiving N50bn revitalisation fund, warns of possible strike resumption