Education

ASUU dismisses FG’s N52.5bn, says strike likely soon

Published

4 years ago

January 2, 2022

ASUU President, Prof Emmanuel Osodeke

The Academic Staff Union of Universities has said the N30bn Revitalisation Fund and N22.5bn Earned Academic Allowance totalling N52.5bn released by the Federal Government is not enough to deal with the challenges facing the university system.

The ASUU President, Prof Emmanuel Osodeke, noted in an interview with Sunday PUNCH that there was a possibility that the union would still go on strike, unless the government addressed its demands, including the 2009 agreement.

The Federal Government had said it paid lecturers N30bn Revitalisation Fund and N22.5bn Earned Academic Allowance. It noted that it had made some progress in implementing the Memorandum of Understanding the government reached with the union.

Osodeke described the fund released by the government as a token payment, adding that it was not enough for lecturers to change their minds on the suspended strike.

He, therefore, asked the Federal Government to address the issues concerning the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System, which the union rejected and asked to be replaced with the University Transparency, Accountability Solution. He also said renegotiation and resuscitation of universities had not been addressed.

The union suspended its nine months strike on December 24, 2020 after its National Executive Council met over the understanding the union had with the Federal Government. The union commenced the strike over the non-payment of salaries of its members who failed to enroll into the Integrated Payroll and Personnel information system and some other agreements the union had with the government.

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The union gave deadlines and threatened that it would not hesitate to withdraw its services if the government reneged on its promises. The then President of ASUU, Prof Biodun Ogunyemi, said, “What we have done is to give the government the benefit of doubt and that is why we have added the caveat. Should the government renege, our members are not tired of withdrawing their services.”

The suspended strike began in March over the non-payment of salaries of ASUU members who failed to enrol into the Federal Government’s IPPIS, a payroll software mandated for all public officials and some unmet agreements between ASUU and successive administrations. The union embarked on different strike actions since the agreement was signed in 2009.

Speaking on the N52.5bn fund, Osodeke stated, “There is an agreement and we want them to implement the agreement. The issue is not about money. There is the issue of renegotiation, there is the issue of resuscitation of the universities, and there is the issue of UTAS. So, you don’t just come and throw a little money and think the challenge has been resolved.

“This is what our political class is doing. They believe that once they throw a little money, everybody will run back. That is the problem. So, it is not about the token they have given. There are more fundamental issues.”

Osodeke stated that the planned strike in the new year was a possibility, adding that the union decided to shelve the strike earlier because the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council intervened and promised to prevail on the Federal Government to implement the agreement.

He added, “Our going on strike is a possibility. The only reason we relaxed is because a group, Nigeria Inter-Religious Council, intervened. We respect the group so much. The group told us they would intervene and they would ensure that the government implements our agreement. That is why we agreed to the benefit of the Federal Government.

“So, we decided we will give the Federal Government till the end of this year (2021) and see what it will do. Other groups also intervened. That explained why we relaxed going on strike, so that they will not say ASUU likes going on strike.

“The Federal Government should do the needful by embracing the agreement to prevent ASUU from going on strike. Nigeria as a whole will suffer the brunt of ASUU going on strike.”

But the Minister of State for Education, Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba, said there was no justification for another strike by ASUU, adding that the Federal Government had addressed the issues raised by the union.

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He, however, explained that it might not be possible to stop any group that had made up its mind to embark on strike.

In an interview with one of our correspondents, he said, “I have always said my position is that even if you slap me, I will tell you that there is no justification for a strike. It doesn’t matter; if you like, you can kill a goat for the person, if he wants to go on strike, he would go. If you don’t kill a goat for him, and he doesn’t want to go on strike, he will not go on strike.

“Our objective is to train Nigerian children. That is the whole essence of the entire education spending. So, anything that you are in that is not in pursuant of that goal, you are losing means. The fact that you want to go on strike because there is a form of payment which is not accepted, you can decide you want to do that, nobody can beat you for doing that.

“There is no issue they (ASUU) have raised that we have not tackled. I don’t have any disagreement whatsoever with ASUU, none at all. That has always been my position. My attitude is if you want to work, you will; if you don’t want to work, you will not.”

The minister said ASUU understood the implication of its actions and the impact on the education system. He added, “The only reason we asked them to come and lecture is to deliver content for the children.

“They said you didn’t pay them; you paid them, they say it is not enough. You pay them the one they say is NEEDS assessment, they have not even finished utilising the last one, they said you must bring another one. We said okay, we agreed. They said send money for earned allowance, we sent it.

“Anything they say, we have done. But they say they don’t like the way we are doing it. So, are you going to beat somebody who does that.”

On what the Federal Government planned to do if the union goes on strike, the minister said there was no Plan B since there was no possibility of hiring lecturers from the moon.

He said, “If they go on strike, there is no Plan B. We are not going to recruit lecturers from the moon. There is no need for a strike. Nobody can tell me that a strike is needed for anything. If you don’t want to teach, say so, and not that you want to go on strike. For what? There is no basis for any strike in Nigeria.”

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An educationist, Mercy Chepaka, appealed to both the government and ASUU to let the fate of the students and their parents guide them in taking any decision on the lingering issues between them.

He added, “When two elephants fight it’s the grass that suffers. Our children bear the brunt of any strike action by the union. These students need to be in school. Education is key and there is no need for them spending more years or even months than they should over issues that can be resolved.”

An educationist at a faith-based College of Education in Enugu State, Peter Onuigbo, also urged the Federal Government to attend to the needs of the union as ‘they are the needs of the people’.

“The government needs to listen to ASUU. The money they are talking about is not for funfair; it is for education. It is for our children. The matter has lingered for so much. How can one issue be on the front burner of national discourse for over 12 years? Education is a priority and it is the only way Nigeria can overcome poverty and a dwindling economy.

“ASUU has been patient enough, but we plead with them to meet with the government again. Let them speak to themselves, come to a conclusion and let this matter end so our children can enter for a programme and be sure of when they are graduating. I know some students who have been in school since 2015 for a four-year course because of these incessant industrial actions by the union.”

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Similarly, an educational administrator, Ikechukwu Onuoha, urged the Federal Government to ‘do the needful on the matter. He added, “I don’t want to begin to trade blames. Let the government do what is right. Any country that wants to grow must prioritise education. I also beg the union (ASUU) to sheath their swords and give the government some time to attend to their demands.”

Meanwhile, a professor of English and Dean, Faculty of Arts, University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, said he had no special appeal for the government on the matter as it seemed to him the Federal Government did not value public universities.

Decrying the level of decay in the system, he said, “Is it not ridiculous that when I became a professor, my salary was N467,000; now it has been reduced to about N416,000. The minimum wage which is supposed to bring an additional N50, 000 is even what made it N416,000.

“Why is it so if not because of the obnoxious thing called IPPIS which has reduced everybody’s salary? It is surprising that what we are earning as lecturers today is what was agreed upon in 2009. Since then, the lecturers in federal universities earn a continually-decreasing salary. After the renegotiation, for which the government set up the committee, would anyone tell me that such a government does not know what it would do?”

He also knocked the Minister of State for Education, Emeka Nwajiuba, saying he had not acted as someone who has the interest of the sector at heart.

He added, “Look at a country like Finland which has one of the best educational systems in the world; it does not have any private school. The reason is simple – the government funds all the schools and there is no payment of fees. So, the private institutions would be useless. That is a country. Take a look at Nigeria; we are headed towards the cave if this back and forth continues.

“My concern is no longer with the government but with Nigerians. Let them decide. Do they need public education? If they do, let them tell the government what to do. If not, let them stay and allow ASUU to fight alone. When ASUU stops fighting, the system will collapse and we will then realise.”

He said if the educational system collapses, it would fuel insecurity, as he appealed to Nigerians to fight for their rights to good education.

“How can the government wait till there is a strike before they can fund education? This is how you know they don’t care about the system,” he noted.

Punch

Education

NYSC Releases Step-by-Step Guide for Date of Birth Correction on Portal

Published

3 days ago

June 8, 2026

Trends Admin

NYSC Releases Step-by-Step Guide for Date of Birth Correction on Portal

Nigeria – The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has outlined the procedure for prospective corps members seeking to correct their dates of birth on the NYSC portal following the release of call-up letters for the 2026 Batch B Stream I orientation exercise.

The scheme said affected prospective corps members (PCMs) must obtain a 19- or 20-digit WAEC Verification Pin before initiating the correction process on the portal. According to NYSC, candidates are required to complete their registration and log in to their dashboard to access the date-of-birth correction link.

Step-by-Step Procedure for NYSC Date of Birth Correction

To correct a date of birth on the NYSC portal, prospective corps members should follow these steps in order:

Obtain WAEC Verification Pin – Get a 19 or 20-digit WAEC Verification Pin from WAEC or any authorized bank branch. This pin is required to sync your details with the WAEC database.
Log in to Your Dashboard – Submit your initial registration, then log in to your NYSC dashboard to access the correction features.
Locate the Correction Link – Click on the “Correction of Date of Birth” link within your dashboard options.
Enter Your Details – Input your WAEC Verification Pin, select your WAEC Type, choose your Year of Examination, and enter your Examination Number.
Verify Information – Click on the “Verify” button to allow the system to sync your data with the WAEC database.
Submit or Cancel – Click SUBMIT to save your changes or CANCEL if you need to review the information further.

According to an NYSC clarification issued prior to the call-up letter release, the Date of Birth correction option only becomes available on PCM dashboards after call-up numbers have been issued. The NYSC urged prospective corps members to remain calm and assured them that once their call-up numbers are available, the portal will automatically reflect the correction option.

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Beyond date of birth correction, the NYSC also allows prospective corps members to request corrections for name (must exactly match certificates), course of study, class of degree, and qualification. The scheme directed prospective corps members whose names on their certificates or statements of results do not exactly match the names uploaded on the NYSC portal to contact their institutions and ensure the records are properly aligned before proceeding to camp.

The development comes as NYSC released call-up letters for the 2026 Batch B Stream I orientation course. The scheme also warned that PCMs whose dates of graduation on their call-up letters do not match the dates on their statements of results will not be registered at orientation camps. NYSC advised affected candidates to resolve such discrepancies through their Student Affairs Officers (SAOs) before reporting to camp. The same warning applies to corps members with inconsistencies in their date of birth records.

The scheme announced that some prospective corps members deployed to Lagos State will undertake their orientation course in camps located in Ekiti, Kwara, Ondo, Ogun and Osun states. Similarly, some corps members posted to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) will have their orientation exercise in Benue, Nasarawa, Kogi, Kano and Kaduna states. The NYSC urged prospective corps members to print and sign their call-up forms ahead of registration at their respective orientation camps.

The date of birth correction process on the NYSC portal is free. The NYSC strongly advises all prospective corps members to triple-check their details before submitting their registration. Your Date of Birth, Date of Graduation, and Course of Study will appear on your Certificate of National Service or Exemption Certificate. Once you register at camp, you cannot correct these details anymore. Complete all necessary corrections before your orientation camp date to avoid issues during registration and ensure a smooth NYSC experience.

NYSC Releases Step-by-Step Guide for Date of Birth Correction on Portal

Education

NYSC Releases Call-Up Letters for 2026 Batch B Stream I – See How to Print Yours

Published

3 days ago

June 8, 2026

Trends Admin

NYSC Releases Call-Up Letters for 2026 Batch B Stream I (How to Print NYSC Call-Up Letter)

NYSC Releases Call-Up Letters for 2026 Batch B Stream I – See How to Print Yours

Abuja, Nigeria – The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has officially released the call-up letters for prospective corps members (PCMs) in the 2026 Batch B Stream I exercise. The scheme also issued a stern warning against night travel to orientation camps. The announcement was made on Monday, June 8, 2026, via the NYSC’s official channels. Prospective corps members are now able to log into the NYSC portal to check their state of deployment and print their call-up letters ahead of the orientation course.

The NYSC announced that some prospective corps members deployed to Lagos State will undertake their orientation course in camps located in Ekiti, Kwara, Ondo, Ogun, and Osun states. Similarly, some corps members posted to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) will have their orientation exercise in Benue, Nasarawa, Kogi, Kano, and Kaduna states.

The 2026 Batch B Stream I Orientation Course is scheduled to commence on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, and will run until Tuesday, June 30, 2026. Registration and verification of prospective corps members will begin on Wednesday, June 10, and close at midnight on Friday, June 12, 2026. The swearing-in ceremony will take place on Friday, June 12, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. across all orientation camps nationwide. Prospective corps members are advised to note that registration portals and physical documentation at camps will close strictly at midnight on Friday, June 12, 2026. Failure to register before this deadline may result in forfeiture of participation in this stream.

The NYSC Osun State has announced that it is set to host the 2026 Batch B Stream I Orientation course at the NYSC permanent orientation camp, Ede. The swearing-in ceremony will be presided over by the Executive Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke, while the Chief Judge of Osun State, Hon. Justice Oyebola Adepele Ojo, will administer the National Pledge and NYSC Oath of Allegiance on the prospective corps members. The scheme also called on the people of the state, especially the NURTW, to assist prospective corps members in locating the orientation camp with ease.

The NYSC reiterated its warning against night travel for prospective corps members heading to orientation camps. The scheme advised corps members to break their journeys by 6:00 p.m. and seek accommodation at designated safe locations such as corps lodges, military formations, police stations, or traditional rulers’ palaces before continuing their trips the following morning.

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The NYSC outlined several critical guidelines for prospective corps members ahead of camp registration. The scheme warned that prospective corps members whose dates of graduation on their call-up letters differ from those on their statements of results will not be registered at the orientation camps. Affected candidates were advised to resolve such discrepancies through their Student Affairs Officers (SAOs) before reporting for camp. The NYSC also directed prospective corps members whose names on their certificates or statements of results do not exactly match the names uploaded on the NYSC portal to contact their institutions and ensure the records are properly aligned before proceeding to camp. Additionally, the scheme outlined the procedure for correcting dates of birth on its portal. Affected corps members are required to obtain a 19- or 20-digit WAEC verification pin, complete their registration, log in to their dashboard, access the date-of-birth correction link, enter the required examination details, verify the information and submit the request.

How to Print NYSC Call-Up Letter

Prospective corps members can print their call-up letters by following these steps:

Go to the NYSC portal at http://portal.nysc.org.ng
Click on the “Login here” icon
Login with registered email and password
Click on ‘Print Call Up Letter’ link to access and print the document

PCMs are advised to print and sign their call-up forms ahead of registration at their respective orientation camps.

As preparations for the 2026 Batch B Stream I Orientation Course gather momentum, the NYSC has emphasised the importance of equipping young Nigerians with the skills and values needed to drive national development. The Director-General of the NYSC, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, stated in his keynote address during the 2026 Batch ‘B’ Pre-Orientation Course Workshop that orientation courses must serve as milestones of impact and renewed citizenship. He further noted that as the corps population continues to grow, it is imperative for state governments to appreciate and fulfill their obligations to the Scheme through the provision of befitting and functional orientation camps. Nafiu also advocated the constructive use of digital media tools and public perception platforms to train Corps Members in responsible digital conduct and effective community mobilisation. He further revealed the need to prioritise security awareness and sustain close collaboration with security agencies to ensure the safety of orientation camps.

The NYSC organizes its mobilization process into batches and streams to ensure efficient management of the large number of graduates participating in the national service program each year. Batches are groups of graduates mobilized at different times of the year, with Batch B typically beginning around June or July. Streams are subdivisions within each batch, created to avoid overcrowding at orientation camps and ensure smooth logistics. The entire service year lasts 12 months, beginning with the three-week orientation course and ending with a Passing-Out Parade (POP).

NYSC Releases Call-Up Letters for 2026 Batch B Stream I – See How to Print Yours

Education

WAEC Drops 24-Hour Exam Delivery Policy After Fatal Crash Kills Three Officials

Published

3 days ago

June 8, 2026

Trends Admin

WAEC Drops 24-Hour Exam Delivery Policy After Fatal Crash Kills Three Officials

The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has reverted to its traditional 48-hour examination material distribution system after a controversial 24-hour delivery policy triggered nationwide logistical disruptions, late-night examinations and the tragic death of three officials in Gombe State.

The decision comes amid growing criticism from parents, school administrators, education stakeholders and lawmakers over the conduct of the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), which has been plagued by delays in the delivery of question papers to examination centres across the country.

Investigations indicate that the 24-hour delivery model was introduced by WAEC management as part of efforts to strengthen exam security and prevent the leakage of examination papers. The policy significantly reduced the time between the printing of question papers and their delivery to custodial centres nationwide.

However, insiders familiar with WAEC operations disclosed that the examination body traditionally relied on a 48-hour distribution cycle, which provided sufficient time for the secure transportation of examination materials across Nigeria’s vast and often challenging road network.

The compressed timeline reportedly placed enormous pressure on logistics personnel responsible for transporting sensitive examination materials. Staff members were forced to embark on long-distance journeys within a limited period, often travelling overnight through difficult road conditions and security-prone routes.

The challenges soon became evident as examination centres across several states reported delays in receiving question papers. Thousands of candidates were left waiting for hours before examinations could commence.

In some locations, students sat for papers late into the evening under poor lighting conditions, while others reportedly depended on alternative light sources to complete their examinations. The situation sparked widespread outrage and renewed concerns about the welfare of candidates.

The latest disruptions also revived memories of similar challenges recorded during previous examination cycles. Earlier this year, WAEC acknowledged that examination leakages, security concerns and logistical setbacks contributed to delays that forced some candidates to write papers at unusually late hours.

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As pressure mounted on the examination body, a tragic incident further exposed the risks associated with the new delivery framework.

Last Wednesday, three WAEC officials lost their lives in a fatal road accident while transporting confidential examination materials along the Gombe-Yola Road in Gombe State.

The deceased officials were identified as Eleshin Dennis Olayinka, Dan-Malam Add’ua Muhammed and Yusuf Umar Gwamna.

According to reports, the officials were travelling in a pick-up van loaded with examination materials when an oncoming trailer allegedly veered off its lane and collided head-on with their vehicle near Billiri Local Government Area.

The impact of the crash reportedly killed all three officials instantly.

The tragedy sent shockwaves through the council and reportedly affected the morale of several field officers involved in the ongoing examination exercise.

In an emotional condolence message circulated to staff members nationwide, WAEC’s Head of National Office, Dr. Amos Dangut, described the incident as a painful reminder of the sacrifices made by council employees in the discharge of their duties.

He expressed sympathy to the families of the deceased officials and prayed for the strength to bear the loss.

Sources within the examination body disclosed that concerns about staff safety, operational sustainability and the growing public backlash over delayed examinations contributed to the decision to abandon the 24-hour delivery model.

WAEC has now restored the 48-hour distribution system in a move aimed at stabilising logistics operations and ensuring the smooth conduct of the remaining papers in the ongoing WASSCE examination.

The reversal is expected to ease pressure on delivery teams and reduce the likelihood of further delays in the movement of examination materials across the country.

The development has reignited debate about how best to balance exam security, operational efficiency and the welfare of both candidates and examination officials.

Education stakeholders have urged WAEC to adopt more sustainable solutions, including improved logistics planning, stronger collaboration with security agencies and the deployment of technology-driven measures to safeguard examination materials.

Many observers believe the latest crisis provides an opportunity for a comprehensive review of Nigeria’s examination administration framework to ensure that efforts to curb malpractice do not compromise the safety of personnel or the academic experience of candidates.

As the WAEC examination continues nationwide, stakeholders are hopeful that the return to the 48-hour distribution model will help restore confidence in the examination process and prevent further disruptions.