ASUU Rejects Inclusion in Federal Loan Scheme, Threatens Nationwide Protests

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20/08/25 • 76 مناظر • 0 بانٹیں • میں شائع ہوا۔ دیگر

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has rejected its inclusion in the newly launched **Tertiary Institutions Staff Support Fund (TISSF)**, describing it as a “deliberate ploy” by the Federal Government to conscript the union as guarantor of a scheme it neither negotiated nor endorsed.

The union’s stance was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held at **Usmanu Danfodio University, Sokoto**, and signed by its President, **Professor Christopher Piwuna**.

ASUU argued that the loan initiative offers no tangible benefit to its members, stressing that the immediate release of their withheld **three-and-a-half months’ salaries** would provide genuine relief.

“NEC resolved to reject the ploy to conscript ASUU as guarantor of loans the union knows nothing about and demands that ASUU be delisted from the process,” the communiqué read.

The union also demanded the urgent conclusion of the renegotiation of the **FGN-ASUU agreement**, which has dragged on for years despite the involvement of the Yayale Ahmed-led committee.

The TISSF, unveiled last week by the Minister of State for Education, **Dr. Tunji Alausa**, offers zero-interest loans of up to **₦10 million** to academic and non-academic staff of tertiary institutions. Eligibility requires at least five years to retirement and membership of recognised staff unions such as ASUU, SSANU, or NASU.

But ASUU dismissed the initiative as a **“distraction”**, accusing the government of sidestepping more pressing issues such as salary arrears, improved welfare, adequate funding, and the protection of academic freedom.

The union further announced plans to mobilise **nationwide protests** across its branches, with simultaneous demonstrations and press briefings to highlight its grievances.

Among the unresolved disputes highlighted are:

* Implementation of the renegotiated 2009 FGN-ASUU agreement
* Improved conditions of service for staff
* Sustainable university funding
* Review of laws governing agencies such as the **NUC** and **JAMB**

In a bid to strengthen accountability in university financing, ASUU also unveiled plans for the **Tertiary Institutions Transparency and Accountability Solution (TITAS)** — an upgraded version of its earlier **UTAS** model, designed as an alternative to the government’s **IPPIS** platform.

ASUU’s latest position highlights a widening rift between the union and the government. With its threat of mass action, the future of Nigeria’s higher education sector again hangs in the balance, as both sides remain locked in disputes over reforms, welfare, and autonomy.

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