The Calabar Zone of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), a leading academic union in Nigeria, states that both the Federal Government of Nigeria and state governments have significantly increased their revenue but still fail to provide adequate wages for university lecturers.
The union references data from the Federation Account Allocation Committee, noting that allocations to Nigeria’s 36 states rose from N3.02 trillion in 2022 to N5.81 trillion in 2024, marking a 62 percent increase. Federal allocations grew from N3.42 trillion to N4.65 trillion within the same period, exceeding a 70 percent rise.
ASUU argues that these figures contradict claims of funding shortages. It says the core problem is the absence of political will to invest in national development through higher education. The union states that the government clearly has the financial capacity to improve lecturers’ salaries.
The statement, signed by Zonal Coordinator Ikechukwu Igwenyi and eight executives, criticises what it describes as inconsistent engagement by the Nigerian government in negotiations. It cites a pattern of delays and shifting positions that undermine trust.
One excerpt reads: “This posture of never let them have their way is not the best approach as there is no competition and therefore no winner or loser.”
ASUU emphasises that education remains a foundation of national advancement and stresses that no country can progress beyond the strength of its universities. It frames investment in academic staff welfare as a direct investment in Nigeria’s future capacity.
The union calls on the government to fully honour existing agreements, fund the education sector adequately, and address longstanding issues affecting university staff across the country.
