Education

Looming strike: ASUU asks NASS, others to intervene

Published

7 months ago

August 27, 2025

Looming strike: ASUU asks NASS, others to intervene

The Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, has called on stakeholders, including the National Assembly, religious leaders, traditional rulers and students, to caution the Federal Government against pushing university teachers to embark on a nationwide strike.

The call came on the heels of protests by members of the union across the country, especially in Federal Government-owned universities.

This is just as the union described the decision of the government to offer its members loans as a Greek gift which, according to it, is unnecessary if the government paid their dues and entitlements.

We won’t allow matters to degenerate —FG

But the government in its immediate response, yesterday, expressed optimism that it would not be allowed to degenerate to a full blown industrial action.

Director of Public Affairs, Federal Ministry of Education, Mrs Folasade Boriowo, who stated this yesterday, said: “A delegation of the Federal Ministry of Education, to be led by the Minister, Dr. Tunji Alausa, will be meeting with the leaders of the union on Thursday (tomorrow) and I am confident that things would be sorted out. Nothing will be allowed to get out of hand.’’

However, leading his members on a protest around the campus, University of Lagos, UNILAG, branch chairman, Prof. Idou Keinde, said: “The loans are to be guaranteed by our union. This is not necessary, the governing council of each university can give loans to our members based on our condition of service.

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Our patience being exhausted —Akure Zone

The Zonal Coordinator, ASUU Akure Zone, Professor Adeola Egbedokun, expressed deep concern over the alleged failure of President Bola Tinubu’s administration to attend to the various demands of the union since his assumption of office two years ago.

Egbedokun, who spoke at a briefing at Federal University, Oye Ekiti, yesterday, said the Federal Government’s failure to heed ASUU’s several calls and agitations had pushed the lecturers to the edge, adding that their patience had been stretched to its breaking point.

The ASUU leader said: “We will fight back and the consequences would be damning, except the government takes a decisive step to attend to all our requests urgently.

“While we take note of the government’s planned meeting of August 28, 2025, let it be clear that the clock is ticking, and time is no longer on the government’s side. Our patience has been stretched to its breaking point.

ASUU shuts UNIUYO, suspends exams

At the University of Uyo, UNIUYO, the protesting lecturers, led by Prof. Opeyemi Olajide, the chairperson, ASUU UNIUYO, said: “Today (yesterday), university lecturers are staging a protest to let the world know how Federal Government is treating us with disdain.

‘’The government has decided to destroy public university system as it did to public primary and secondary schools.”

He ordered all students, who came for their Computer-Based Test, CBT, exams to go home as no examination would be administered, threatening that the union might embark on indefinite strike if nothing was done to address their concerns.

Renew our hope now, says UNIJOS ASUU

Similarly, lecturers at the University of Jos, led by the branch chairperson, Comrade Jurbe Molwus, called on President Tinubu to renew their hope.

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According to him, the hope of members in the FG doing the needful is fading away.

“Time is running out. Considering the fact that we have been on this renegotiation for over eight years, trust has been destroyed by government,” he cautioned.

Meet our demands or …—MOUAU ASUU

ASUU members at the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, accused the government of insensitivity over their plight.

Speaking during the protest, chairman of ASUU, MOUAU chapter, Professor Chike Ugwuene, said the current economic realities had made the 2009 renegotiated agreement, which recommended less than N500,000 as take-home for a professor, a mockery, arguing that the recommendation was far less than the African average of N1.5 million.

ASUU also demanded the release of N150 billion revalidation fund to universities as captured in the 2025 budget.

UNIABUJA joins

ASUU members at the University of Abuja, also joined the nationwide protest.

Addressing the protesters, Dr. Sylvanus Ugoh, chairman of ASUU, UNIABUJA chapter, said the action was aimed at drawing the attention of the federal government and the public to the worsening hardship confronting academic staff.

He revealed that the government currently owed lecturers three and a half months’ salaries, a full year arrears of the 25 and 35 per cent wage awards, as well as over five years of unpaid promotion arrears.

Ebonyi varsity ASUU too

The protest paralysed academic activities at Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike Ikwo (AE-FUNAI), Ebonyi State, as the lecturers marched along the major roads within and outside the school.

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The chairperson of ASUU AE-FUNAI, Comrade Louis Omenyi, while briefing newsmen after the protest, accused the Federal Government of paying lecturers obsolete and expired salaries structure, describing it as unacceptable.

We’ll shut down universities indefinitely if …—UI ASUU

Lecturers at the University of Ibadan, UI, and Emmanuel Alayande University of Education, Oyo, under the aegis of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, also staged a peaceful protest yesterday, warning President Tinubu to sign the renegotiated agreement with the union by August 28 or risk a full-scale strike across Nigeria’s public universities.

The lecturers, joined by the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, said they had been “pushed to the wall” by the federal government’s prolonged delay in honouring agreements dating back as far as 2009.

At UI, ASUU chairman, Dr. Adefemi Afolabi, led the protest, alongside Oyo State NLC chairman, Mr Kayode Martins.

Unilorin ASUU stages protest

The chairman of the union at University of Ilorin, Dr. Alex Akanmu, said: “University workers are not slaves, increase budgetary allocation for education. As peace loving as we are, we can no longer allow the welfare of our members to be subjected to the delay tactics of this government.

UNIMAID ASUU protests

Speaking on behalf of the protesters at the University of Maiduguri, the ASUU chairman, Dr. Abubakar Mshelia, said treating intellectuals with such disregard cannot result to meaningful progress in Nigeria.

He said: “Professors who have dedicated over four decades to educating generations retire on a meagre N150,000 under the contributory pension scheme, while inflation exceeds 21 per cent.

‘’This is not just a labour issue, it is a national disgrace. A country that treats its intellectuals with such disregard cannot expect meaningful progress.”

Looming strike: ASUU asks NASS, others to intervene

Vanguard

Education

WAEC Releases 2026 WASSCE Timetable for School Candidates

Published

10 hours ago

March 31, 2026

Trends Admin

WAEC Releases 2026 WASSCE Timetable for School Candidates

The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has officially released the 2026 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) timetable for school candidates across its member countries. The final international schedule, shared on WAEC’s official X (formerly Twitter) handle, provides students with a clear roadmap for exam preparation, ensuring they can plan their revision and practical work effectively.

According to the timetable, the 2026 WASSCE will commence on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, and conclude on Friday, June 19, 2026, spanning nearly nine weeks of examinations. The exams will kick off with Foods and Nutrition 3 (Practical) Planning Session and Home Management 3 (Practical) Planning Session, marking the start of both practical and theory assessments.

The timetable covers core subjects such as English Language and Mathematics, which are compulsory for all candidates, as well as a broad range of elective papers in sciences, arts, humanities, vocational, and technical subjects. Key science subjects include Biology, Chemistry, and Physics, while elective options span Economics, Government, Geography, Metalwork, and Applied Technology.

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WAEC advised all candidates to carefully check the timetable, confirm their exam dates with school authorities, and ensure they arrive at examination centres fully equipped with approved materials. The council also encouraged students to use the timetable to avoid subject clashes, prepare for both written and practical assessments, and manage study time efficiently.

The WASSCE is a crucial qualification for secondary school students in English-speaking West Africa, serving as the gateway for university and tertiary institution admissions. The exam is conducted annually in WAEC member countries, including Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and The Gambia, and is recognised as a key academic milestone in the region.

With the release of the 2026 timetable, students, parents, and school authorities now have a complete guide to plan study schedules, revision sessions, and exam strategies, helping ensure candidates are well-prepared to succeed.

WAEC Releases 2026 WASSCE Timetable for School Candidates

Education

WAEC Releases 2026 Computer-Based WASSCE Results, See Details Checking Procedure

Published

4 days ago

March 27, 2026

Trends Admin

WAEC Releases 2026 Computer-Based WASSCE Results, See Details Checking Procedure

The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has officially released the results of the 2026 Computer-Based West African Senior School Certificate Examination (CB-WASSCE) for private candidates, marking another milestone in its transition to digital assessment.

The examination body announced on Friday that candidates who participated in the first series of the computer-based examination can now access their results, with full access expected to be activated within hours of the release.

In a statement accompanying the announcement, WAEC noted that the adoption of the Computer-Based Testing (CBT) format has significantly enhanced the speed and efficiency of result processing, eliminating many of the delays traditionally associated with manual marking systems.

Improved Performance Recorded

A preliminary analysis of the results indicates a modest improvement in candidates’ overall performance. According to data released by the council, about 32.72 per cent of candidates obtained a minimum of five credits, including English Language and Mathematics, a key benchmark for academic and career advancement in Nigeria.

WAEC attributed the improvement to increased candidate preparedness, improved examination administration, and the deployment of technology-driven assessment methods.

Malpractice Cases Under Review

Despite the gains recorded, the council disclosed that a number of results have been withheld due to allegations of examination malpractice. WAEC stated that investigations are ongoing and assured that appropriate actions would be taken upon conclusion of the review process.

The council reiterated its commitment to maintaining the integrity and credibility of its examinations, warning candidates and stakeholders against engaging in any form of malpractice.

Transition to Digital Examinations

The release of the 2026 CB-WASSCE results underscores WAEC’s broader strategy to modernize its examination system through the adoption of digital technology. The move is expected to improve transparency, reduce human error, and enhance the overall efficiency of the examination process across member countries.

How to Check WAEC Results

WAEC has provided a straightforward process for candidates to access their results online. Candidates are advised to follow the steps below:

Visit the official WAEC result-checking portal at www.waecdirect.org
Enter your Examination Number in the required field
Select the Examination Year (2026)
Choose the appropriate Examination Type (Private Candidate – First Series)
Enter the Card Serial Number found on your scratch card
Input the PIN on the scratch card
Click on “Submit” to view your result

Candidates who encounter delays are advised to remain patient, as access may be staggered due to high traffic on the portal.

WAEC further urged candidates to keep their result-checking details secure and avoid sharing sensitive information with unauthorized persons to prevent fraud.

The council reaffirmed its commitment to continuous innovation in examination delivery, assuring stakeholders that the transition to computer-based testing will further strengthen the credibility of its certificates across the globe.

WAEC Releases 2026 Computer-Based WASSCE Results, See Details Checking Procedure

Education

NYSC Debunks ‘Ransom Clause’ Rumour, Details Security Measures for Corps Members

Published

6 days ago

March 25, 2026

Trends Admin

NYSC Debunks ‘Ransom Clause’ Rumour, Details Security Measures for Corps Members

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has dismissed as false a viral report alleging that the scheme operates a “ransom clause” and exposes corps members to banditry, insisting that no such provision exists in its legal or operational framework.

The clarification comes amid rising concerns from families over the safety of corps members, especially those deployed to areas considered high-risk. In a statement issued on Wednesday, the NYSC, through its Director of Information and Public Relations, Caroline Embu, described the claim as misleading and alarmist.

According to the scheme, the widely circulated write-up titled “Urgent: The NYSC Death Trap Our Graduates Are Being Sold to Bandits” is entirely unfounded. It stressed that there is no mention of any “ransom clause” in the NYSC Act, bye-laws, or official publications, urging the public to disregard the report.

The NYSC also addressed the case of Musa Usman Abba, which contributed to the controversy. The scheme clarified that Abba is not a serving corps member, noting that he completed his national service in 2023. While expressing sympathy with him and his family over the reported incident, the NYSC emphasized the importance of accurate information to avoid unnecessary panic.

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Reaffirming its commitment to corps members’ safety, the NYSC stated that it continues to work closely with security agencies across the country. It noted that corps members posted to vulnerable areas are provided with enhanced protection, including military escorts. This arrangement, according to the scheme, has been consistently implemented in the North West since 2024 and earlier in parts of the North East.

The scheme further highlighted that it has relocated orientation camps from volatile locations to safer areas in states such as Kebbi, Kaduna, Kwara, Borno, Gombe, and Plateau, as part of proactive measures to safeguard both corps members and camp officials.

On welfare, the NYSC explained that all corps members are covered by a life insurance policy through Capital Express Assurance Limited, which extends up to three weeks after service completion. In addition, corps members are enrolled in the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) to ensure access to healthcare throughout their service year.

The NYSC reiterated that it places the highest priority on the welfare, safety, and well-being of corps members and staff. It warned that the spread of misinformation, particularly on social media, could heighten anxiety and undermine public confidence in national institutions.

Established in 1973, the NYSC programme was designed to promote national unity and integration by deploying Nigerian graduates to serve in states outside their regions of origin. Despite ongoing security challenges in some parts of the country, the scheme said it has continued to strengthen its safety protocols through strategic deployments, camp relocations, and collaboration with security agencies.

The agency maintained that while concerns about security are valid, false narratives about NYSC and banditry only worsen public fear and misrepresent the efforts being made to protect corps members nationwide.