By John Umeh
The Academic Staff Union of Universities has given the Federal Government of Nigeria a four-day deadline to begin the implementation of the newly approved salary structure for lecturers in public universities nationwide.
The union’s president, Christopher Piwuna, announced the ultimatum on Thursday during a public lecture at Sa’adu Zungur University, Yuli Campus, in Bauchi State.
Piwuna explained that although both parties agreed on a revised salary structure in December 2025, with implementation scheduled to commence in January 2026, the government has yet to begin payment under the new arrangement.
He warned that failure to comply within the four-day window would compel the union to take decisive action.
“We have given the Federal Government four days from today to commence payment of the approved salary structure. If this is not done, the union will be forced to respond accordingly,” he stated.
The ASUU president also expressed frustration over what he described as a recurring pattern of unfulfilled agreements by the government, noting that such delays have historically triggered industrial disputes in the university system.
Beyond the salary issue, Piwuna raised concerns about plans to establish a Nigerian branch of Coventry University following a recent visit to London by Bola Tinubu.
He argued that allowing foreign universities to operate locally could undermine Nigeria’s higher education system and weaken domestic institutions. According to him, the move risks diminishing the relevance of Nigerian universities rather than strengthening them.
Piwuna further described the proposed development as a form of external dominance in Nigeria’s education sector, urging the government to instead invest in improving infrastructure, funding, and academic standards within local universities.
He added that collaboration with ASUU would be a more sustainable approach to strengthening Nigeria’s higher education system and meeting the educational needs of future generations.
