Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Nnamdi Azikiwe University, UNIZIK Awka Branch, on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, staged a peaceful protest and press conference at the union’s Secretariat, to draw attention to unresolved issues affecting Nigerian universities and the welfare of its members.
The Chairperson of ASUU-NAU, Comrade Innocent Nnubia, while addressing journalists and members during the event,
lamented that despite repeated engagements, the Federal Government has failed to address pressing concerns that have lingered for years.
Comrade Nnubia noted that the union has exercised patience for too long, writing several letters to the Federal Government without results. He warned that industrial harmony in universities could no longer be guaranteed if the issues remained unresolved.
The protest, which saw lecturers march peacefully within the university axis, drew attention to the economic hardships faced by members. “As at 2009, a professor earned about $3,000 monthly; today, the same professor earns less than $400. This is pitiable and unacceptable,” the statement read.
Speaking on behalf of the Acting Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Carol Arinze-Umobi, the Director of Unizik Business School, Prof. PVC Okoye, commended ASUU-NAU for conducting a peaceful protest and acknowledged the legitimacy of their demands.
“The grievances are genuine, and it is becoming difficult for lecturers. Some of us even lost lives during the last strike. We will do everything within our capacity to improve members’ welfare, and where we cannot, we have the conviction and willpower to convey these messages to the authorities.
” I thank you for your peaceful conduct, and I assure you that the concerns raised will be duly communicated,” she said.
Angel Network News (ANN) reports that some of ASUU’s demands include:
Conclusion of the renegotiation of the 2009 ASUU-FGN Agreement, which has remained stalled since 2012.
“Immediate release of the three and half months withheld salaries from the 2022 national strike, and payment of outstanding 25–35% salary arrears.
“Remittance of third-party deductions to cooperative societies. Settlement of promotion arrears spanning over four years.
“Sustainable funding of universities, with a call for education budget allocation not less than 26%.
“An end to victimization of union members in LASU, Kogi State University (now Prince Abubakar Audu University), Federal University of Science and Technology, Owerri and Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University.
