The Kano zone of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has urged the Federal Government to fulfill its long-standing agreements with the union, cautioning that public universities may collapse if the education sector continues to suffer neglect.
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The call was made on Thursday during a press briefing that brought together representatives of universities within the zone, including Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria, Bayero University Kano (BUK), Kaduna State University (KASU), Kano University of Science and Technology (KUST) Wudil, Federal University Dutse (FUD), Northwest University Kano, and Sule Lamido University, Kafin Hausa.
The union expressed frustration that, despite several rounds of dialogue, many of the challenges facing public universities remain unresolved. It listed the non-implementation of the 2009 ASUU agreement, inadequate funding, alleged victimization of members in LASU, Prince Abubakar Audu University, and FUTO, as well as the non-payment of 25 to 35 percent salary arrears and the long delay in settling promotion arrears of over four years.
ASUU said it would step up advocacy and continue to mount pressure on the government until its promises to strengthen university education in Nigeria are fulfilled.
The union also called on students, parents, civil society organizations, the media, and patriotic Nigerians to support efforts to safeguard public universities from total collapse.
Beyond education, the lecturers raised concerns about worsening insecurity, rising food prices, and deepening poverty. They warned that citizens continue to suffer attacks from bandits, kidnappers, and terrorists, with many losing their homes and means of livelihood.
ASUU stressed that the government’s primary responsibility remains the protection of lives and property, urging authorities to take urgent action.
