Alumni Association Warns of Looming Crisis as ASUU Sets October 13 Deadline for Strike

The Association of Nigerian Universities Alumni (ANUA) has raised alarm over an impending crisis in the nation’s higher education sector, urging the Federal Government to take urgent steps to avert another strike by university-based unions.

In a communiqué issued after its Special Bi-Annual Delegates Conference held from October 1–4 at Sa’adu Zungur University, Bauchi, the association called for immediate dialogue and decisive action to stabilise the university system and prevent further disruption of the academic calendar.

The conference, which brought together delegates from 36 member associations across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, also recommended amending university laws to include alumni presidents as statutory members of university governing councils.

ANUA National President, Prof. Yakubu Ochefu, said the situation in the education sector had become worrisome and demanded urgent government intervention. “Nigeria’s academic calendar cannot afford another disruption,” Ochefu said. “The Federal Government must prioritise negotiations with university unions to ensure lasting peace and stability.”

The association stressed that consistent academic activity was “non-negotiable for national development,” urging government to adopt a more proactive and inclusive approach to resolving disputes within the university system. It added that integrating alumni representation on governing councils would enrich university governance through institutional experience and accountability.

Meanwhile, the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has reiterated its plan to commence a two-week warning strike beginning October 13 if the Federal Government fails to meet its outstanding obligations.

ASUU National President, Prof. Chris Piwuna, made this known on Monday during an orientation and leadership training programme at the Niger Delta University, Amassoma, Bayelsa State. “The decision has been made,” Piwuna declared. “By midnight of Monday, we will begin a two-week warning strike, after which we’ll meet to decide on an indefinite action.”

He blamed the government for failing to implement the renegotiated 2009 ASUU-FGN Agreement and for ignoring the union’s repeated ultimatums. Piwuna also criticised the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), describing the student loan policy as unrealistic in the face of economic hardship.

“In an economy where families struggle to feed, loans cannot solve the problem. If the government truly wants to support education, it should provide grants, not loans,” he said, questioning reports that NELFUND had spent N14 billion on personnel despite having fewer than 100 staff.

ASUU National Financial Secretary, Happiness Uduk, urged members to maintain integrity and accountability, while the Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Prof. Ezekiel Agbalagba, called for stronger collaboration between ASUU and university administrations.

The Vice Chancellor of Niger Delta University, Prof. Allen Agih, commended ASUU’s consistency and encouraged more frequent leadership training sessions, while the ASUU NDU Branch Chairman, Lucky Bebeteidoh, reaffirmed members’ commitment to the union’s collective cause.