By Obinna Uballa
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), University of Jos branch, has accused the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Maruf Alausa, of making “misleading and deceptive claims” about the Federal Government’s implementation of agreements with university lecturers, warning that the union could resume its suspended strike if the issues remain unresolved within the next two weeks.
In a statement signed by its branch chairperson, Prof. Jurbe Joseph Molwus, made available to The New Diplomat on Wednesday, ASUU reminded the government that it had issued a four-week ultimatum on October 22, 2025, to clear outstanding entitlements or face industrial action. Two weeks later, the union said, there has been “very little concrete progress.”
According to ASUU, lecturers are still awaiting their 3.5 months withheld salaries, wage award arrears, earned academic allowances, promotion arrears, and the salaries of affected members who have not been paid for months.
“All we get are press releases from the Honourable Minister of Education. What we need are credit alerts, not misleading statements,” the union said.
ASUU also criticised the government’s claim of having released N50 billion for university revitalisation, saying no institution has received any such funds. It described as “false and embarrassing” the Minister’s statement that N2.3 billion was disbursed to settle salary and promotion arrears, arguing that the amount is insufficient to meet the needs of even three universities.
“The Minister’s claim of clearing the backlog exists only in his imagination. N2.3 billion is grossly inadequate and almost insulting,” the statement said.
The union accused Dr. Alausa of issuing “contradictory statements” and urged him to engage “sincerely and substantially” rather than offering what it called “empty rhetoric.”
ASUU further questioned the role of the Minister of State for Education, saying she should have brought deeper insight into the crisis as someone from the university system.
The union called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to show “genuine resolve” in ending the crisis by appointing a minister who understands the dynamics of higher education.
“If President Tinubu truly desires to make history by ending this prolonged crisis, he needs someone who understands the system,” ASUU said.
The union urged parents, students and the public to pressure the government to act, warning that its ultimatum expires on November 21, 2025.
“The strike was only suspended as a gesture of goodwill. The government must now reciprocate,” Prof. Molwus stated.
