By Edem Ekpo
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), University of Calabar branch, has warned of an imminent strike, accusing the federal government of betrayal and neglect of lecturers’ welfare.
Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, the branch chairman, Comrade Peter Ubi, said government has failed to honour agreements despite repeated negotiations. He listed unresolved issues including the renegotiation of the 2009 ASUU-FGN Agreement, unpaid salary arrears, stalled promotions, and the revitalization of public universities.
Ubi faulted the government’s handling of the Alhaji Yayale Ahmed Report submitted in February, accusing authorities of deliberate delay. “The trust has been destroyed by government, it is therefore up to them to regain it to avert any strike,” he warned.
The union also rejected the Tertiary Institutions Staff Support Fund (TISSF), a proposed loan scheme for lecturers, describing it as a ploy to deepen hardship. “How does a debtor give loans to its creditors?” Ubi asked, insisting that funds should instead clear outstanding entitlements.
On the proliferation of universities, ASUU condemned what it called political patronage, pointing out that more than 30 institutions reportedly had no admissions last year, yet nine new private universities were recently approved. The union urged the National Universities Commission (NUC) to halt the trend and enforce standards.
ASUU further decried the plight of retired professors under the Contributory Pension Scheme, lamenting that some who served for over 40 years now earn as little as ₦150,000 monthly. It reiterated calls for a university-based Pension Fund Administration to secure their welfare.
The union disclosed that its National Executive Council (NEC) will meet after government’s scheduled talks on August 28 to decide its next move. While appealing for public support, ASUU warned that its patience is running out.
“Government cannot continue to keep the Union talking forever. If this approach continues, we will be left with no option but to embark on strike action,” Ubi concluded.
