The University of His branch of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has rejected the claim by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Maruf Alausa, that the federal government released ₦50 billion for university revitalisation, describing the statement as misleading.
In a statement signed by the branch chairperson, Prof. Jurbe Joseph Molwus, ASUU recalled that it issued a four-week ultimatum to the Federal Government on October 22, 2025, demanding the settlement of outstanding entitlements or face a total strike. The union warned that industrial action may resume if issues remain unresolved within the next two weeks.
According to ASUU, “not much progress has been recorded” since the ultimatum, as staff are yet to receive withheld salaries, wage award arrears, promotion arrears, and other benefits.
“As we prepare for our National Executive Council (NEC) meeting scheduled for November 8–9, we expect that outstanding entitlements, including 3.5 months of withheld salaries, 25–35 per cent wage award arrears, promotion arrears, and unpaid salaries of some members, would have been paid. But all we get are press releases from the Honourable Minister of Education. What we need are credit alerts, not misleading statements,” the statement read.
ASUU dismissed the minister’s claim that ₦2.3 billion had been disbursed to clear salary and promotion arrears across federal universities, calling the amount “grossly inadequate and almost insulting.” The union said the figure could barely cover the needs of three universities.
“The Minister’s claim of clearing the backlog exists only in his imagination. He must clarify what fraction of the outstanding entitlements this money is meant to cover and for whom,” ASUU said.
The union also criticised Dr. Alausa for issuing “inconsistent and contradictory statements” regarding ASUU’s demands and urged the minister to engage sincerely with stakeholders rather than rely on “empty rhetoric.”
“It is high time the Honourable Minister of Education realised that only genuine engagement can resolve ASUU’s demands. Palliatives do not cure systemic issues; perhaps he should learn from his counterpart in the Ministry of Health,” the statement added.
ASUU further questioned the effectiveness of the Minister of State for Education, noting that as a former member of the university system, she should have shown greater commitment to resolving the challenges.
The union called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to demonstrate seriousness in addressing the long-standing crisis in tertiary education by appointing a minister who understands the sector’s challenges.
“If President Tinubu truly desires to make history by ending the prolonged dispute with university unions, he needs a competent minister who comprehends the issues affecting higher education,” ASUU said.
The union also appealed to students, parents, and the public to pressure the government to act promptly, warning that the four-week ultimatum expires on November 21, 2025.
“The strike was only suspended as a mark of goodwill in collective bargaining. We expect the government to reciprocate by addressing our demands without further delay,” Prof. Molwus stated.
