The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has accused the Federal Government of neglecting Nigeria’s collapsing education system.
The union’s president, Professor Chris Piwuna, said government officials do not view education as a collective national priority.
He spoke during The Toyin Falola Interviews on Sunday, in a virtual session titled “A Conversation with the ASUU President.”
According to Piwuna, members of the Federal Executive Council often treat education challenges as the sole duty of the Minister of Education.
He explained that such indifference makes meaningful reform nearly impossible.
Furthermore, Piwuna stated that government officials do not see education as a shared problem. Piwuna said. “Each minister acts like it doesn’t concern them.”
ASUU has repeatedly resorted to strikes to push for improved funding and better working conditions.
According to the union, the Federal Government continues to ignore the 2009 FGN–ASUU Agreement which have lead to the decaying educational system.
Piwuna also criticised the government’s capitalist approach to education.
He said officials now push for TETFund to support private universities, calling the move “a betrayal of public interest.”
He added, “Those in power now treat TETFund like a marketplace, driven by self-interest and profit.”
Furthermore, the ASUU leader blamed corruption and ideological conflicts for worsening Nigeria’s education crisis.
He argued that government officials fail to understand that national growth depends on a strong, well-funded education system.
He said, “If the Finance Minister realised that economic growth relies on knowledge, he would take education issues seriously.”
Historians, economists, and labour leaders joined the conversation, emphasising the urgent need for reform.
Professor Toyin Falola, who hosted the discussion, highlighted ASUU’s decades-long battle for fair treatment.
Professor Francis Egbokhare of the University of Ibadan described poor leadership and weak accountability as major setbacks.
He said, “We cannot complain about the system and still be part of its problems.”
Economist Professor Sherrifdeen Tella added that Nigeria’s disregard for research has stalled national development.
He explained that countries progress when they invest in research that drives innovation and productivity.
Similarly, Nigeria Labour Congress President Joe Ajaero urged ASUU and the government to adopt a holistic strategy.
He said both sides must address issues in primary, secondary, and tertiary education to build long-term progress.
At the ASUU National Executive Council meeting in Taraba State, Piwuna said negotiations with the Federal Government were ongoing.
He revealed that salary offers remain unacceptable and warned that the union could take drastic steps. “Our salaries are nothing to write home about, and we will fight for fairness.” Piwuan said
He added that poor living conditions have forced some lecturers to live in their offices with their families.
Piwuna concluded that such hardship limits innovation and creativity in the academic community.
