By Hobnob News
The Association of Nigerian Universities Alumni (ANUA) has raised alarm over a possible nationwide shutdown of universities as the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) insists on proceeding with its planned warning strike.
In a communiqué issued after its Special Bi-Annual Delegates Conference held between October 1 and 4 at Sa’adu Zungur University, Bauchi, ANUA urged the Federal Government to act swiftly to avert another crisis in the higher education sector.
The alumni body emphasised the need for urgent dialogue and the resolution of long-standing disputes between the government and university-based unions, warning that the stability of Nigeria’s academic calendar was “under serious threat.”
Alumni Demand Urgent Action, Call for Reforms
Addressing delegates from 36 member associations across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, ANUA National President, Prof. Yakubu Ochefu, stressed that the government must prioritise negotiation and policy reform.
“Nigeria’s academic calendar cannot afford another disruption,” Ochefu said. “We call on the Federal Government to prioritise negotiations with university-based unions and ensure lasting peace in the sector.”
The association also proposed amendments to the Nigerian University Acts, advocating for statutory representation of alumni presidents on university governing councils.
According to Ochefu, this reform would ensure that “alumni experience and insights are formally integrated into decision-making processes,” promoting institutional growth and accountability.
ASUU Confirms October 13 Strike Date
Meanwhile, the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has reaffirmed its decision to commence a two-week warning strike starting October 13, citing the government’s failure to honour existing agreements and address key demands.
Speaking during an Orientation and Leadership Training at the Niger Delta University (NDU), Amassoma, Bayelsa State, ASUU National President, Prof. Chris Piwuna, said the union would no longer hold further meetings on the strike notice.
“The warning strike has been issued, and we are not meeting to discuss it again because our position has been taken,” Piwuna stated. “By midnight on Monday, we will begin a two-week warning strike, after which we will decide when to commence a full, indefinite action.”
He blamed the Federal Government for its failure to implement the renegotiated 2009 ASUU-FGN Agreement, despite multiple ultimatums and extended deadlines.
“The issues remain the same. The re-negotiation of our 2009 document is still pending after years of promises,” Piwuna lamented. “We have given the government enough time — they even asked for three weeks to get back to us and never did.”
ASUU Rejects Student Loan Scheme
Piwuna also criticised the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), describing the policy as unrealistic in the face of economic hardship.
“We have told the government that we do not support loans in such a depressed economy,” he said. “Families can barely feed, unemployment is high — how do they expect repayment? If they truly want to support education, they should give grants, not loans.”
He further questioned reports that NELFUND spent ₦14 billion on personnel in just one year, despite having fewer than 100 staff.
“A university with over 1,000 staff doesn’t spend that much in a year, including on infrastructure,” he added.
Calls for Integrity and Collaboration
ASUU National Financial Secretary, Happiness Uduk, urged members to uphold integrity, transparency, and accountability as the union continues its advocacy for better university funding and autonomy.
Also speaking at the event, Prof. Ezekiel Agbalagba, Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Delta State, emphasised the importance of collaboration between ASUU and university administrations.
Similarly, NDU Vice Chancellor, Prof. Allen Agih, commended ASUU for its consistency and called for more frequent leadership training workshops.
Earlier, the ASUU NDU Branch Chairman, Lucky Bebeteidoh, thanked the national leadership for its support and reaffirmed the branch’s commitment to the union’s collective struggle.
Bottom Line
As ASUU prepares to down tools again, concerns grow that another strike could plunge Nigeria’s university system into prolonged chaos. The alumni body’s warning underscores the urgent need for proactive dialogue and reform to safeguard the nation’s education sector from yet another disruption.
