ASUU Bayero University protest demands FG fulfill agreements, pay withheld salaries, and properly fund universities. Tensions rise over stalled negotiations

ASUU Bayero University protest demands FG fulfill agreements, pay withheld salaries, and properly fund universities. Tensions rise over stalled negotiations.

Also read: ASUU Bayero University protest demands FG fulfill agreements, pay withheld salaries,

ASUU Bayero University Protest entered public view on Tuesday as academic staff staged a peaceful demonstration in Kano, urging the Federal Government to fulfill longstanding agreements and settle unpaid salaries.

The protest, led by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) Bayero University Kano branch, was sparked by what the union described as the government’s continued negligence regarding key demands that affect the university system and staff welfare.

Speaking during the demonstration, ASUU-BUK Vice Chairman Comrade Yusuf Madugu stated that the government had failed to act on the renegotiated 2009 agreement—last concluded in December 2024 under the Yayale Ahmed-led committee.

“This is just the first step. The government must meet our demands,” Madugu said, visibly frustrated but calm.

Among the union’s demands are:

• Signing and implementing the renegotiated agreement
• Payment of three and a half months’ withheld salaries post-2022 strike
• Increased university funding through revitalisation
• Salary increments and academic staff welfare improvements
• Respect for university autonomy

Madugu emphasized that only four out of seven and a half months’ withheld salaries from the 2022 strike have been paid, despite staff returning to classrooms to complete academic duties.

“We conducted lectures and exams after the strike, yet our efforts were only partially acknowledged,” he said.

He also noted that since the initial N200 billion revitalisation fund was approved during President Goodluck Jonathan’s tenure, only one tranche has been disbursed.

“Our laboratories lack reagents, libraries lack books and classrooms remain in poor condition. Proper funding is essential,” he asserted.

Tensions are mounting within academic circles as ASUU hints at further action if the Federal Government remains unresponsive. Madugu warned that responsibility for any escalated action would rest solely with the government, pending the outcome of ASUU’s national emergency congress.

In solidarity, Abdullahi Usman-Baba, President of the Bayero University Students Union Government, appealed to the Federal Government to reopen dialogue with ASUU.

“Students are the ones most affected. We urge both parties to find a solution,” he said.

Also read: Kano education experts call for reforms, emphasize teaching as noble profession

As the academic community waits, the protest underscores deep-rooted frustrations in Nigeria’s university system—a situation that, if not urgently addressed, could once again disrupt learning nationwide.