By JOAN NWAGWU

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has urged the Federal Government to prioritise education and safeguard the future of Nigerian youths through genuine commitment to resolving all outstanding issues in the nation’s university system.

This was contained in a statement issued at the end of the union’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held at Taraba State University, Jalingo, and signed by its President, Prof. Christopher Piwuna.

Piwuna said government’s back and forth approach to negotiation had continued to delay meaningful progress, warning that such indecision could have grave consequences for the future of education in the country.

“Government must stop paying lip service to education. The surest way to protect the future of our country is to invest in education,” he said.

He recalled that ASUU had suspended its one-month warning strike in October out of respect for students, parents, and well-meaning Nigerians who appealed for dialogue, hoping that government would reciprocate with sincerity and urgency.

“We suspended the strike in good faith, believing that one month was enough to conclude renegotiations if government acted with sincerity. Unfortunately, that faith is being tested,” he said.

Piwuna described the government’s proposed salary increment as a mere drop in the ocean, adding that it was not sufficient to address the worsening brain drain and declining morale among university lecturers.

“What we need is a living wage that reflects the dignity of academic labour. Anything less will continue to push our best brains out of the country,” he added.

The ASUU president also faulted the perception of education as a commercial commodity rather than a public good that underpins national development.

“Education should not be treated as a business venture. It is a social investment that guarantees sustainable development,” Piwuna said.

He urged the government to use the remaining days of the one-month window to conclude all pending negotiations and implement agreements in the spirit of fairness and transparency.

He also called on traditional rulers, labour unions, students, and civil society organisations to continue to press the government to do what is right for the education sector.

“Our call is simple, prioritise education, honour agreements, and protect the future of this nation,” Piwuna said. (NAN)