FG Blames ASUU For Delay In Release Of N50 billion University Revitalisation Fund
The Federal Government of Nigeria has accused the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) of causing delays in the disbursement of ₦50 billion meant for the revitalisation of public universities across the country.
Education Minister Says Most of ASUU’s Demands Have Been Addressed
Speaking on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Monday, Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, stated that the Tinubu administration has tackled most of ASUU’s long-standing demands and remains committed to resolving all pending issues.
He dismissed allegations that the government has been unresponsive, noting that there has been consistent engagement with ASUU since the current administration came into power.
“With due respect to the ASUU president, the claim that the government has not responded in three weeks is incorrect. We have continued to address these matters transparently and sincerely,” Alausa said.
₦50 Billion Fund Stuck Due to ASUU’s Internal Disagreements
Dr. Alausa explained that the Tinubu government inherited the needs assessment programme and allocated ₦150 billionfor the revitalisation of public universities in the 2025 budget. The funds are to be released in three phases, starting with an initial ₦50 billion tranche.
However, he revealed that the first ₦50 billion disbursement remains unused because of ASUU’s internal disputes regarding how to share the funds.
“The money has already been released, but ASUU’s internal disagreements delayed its transfer to their respective accounts. It has been sitting idle for nearly six weeks,” he said.
The minister also confirmed that another ₦50 billion has been paid as earned academic allowances, reiterating that the government is committed to revitalising the university system.
Government Urges ASUU to Cooperate for Smooth Disbursement
Alausa appealed to the union to work with the government to ensure that the funds are released to universities as planned, emphasizing that President Bola Tinubu’s administration is sincere about improving the education sector.
He urged ASUU to allow the funds to be utilized promptly to enhance facilities and boost teaching and research quality across Nigerian universities.
ASUU Declares Two-Week Warning Strike Over Unmet Demands
In response to the government’s claims, ASUU on October 13 began a two-week comprehensive warning strike, accusing the Federal Government of neglecting key issues despite several opportunities for dialogue.
ASUU President, Professor Chris Piwuna, said the decision followed the expiration of a 14-day ultimatum issued on September 28 after the union’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Sokoto.
According to him, the government failed to address key grievances within the three-week window given to them, leaving the union with no option but to commence industrial action.
FG Warns of “No Work, No Pay” Policy
Reacting to the strike, the Federal Government reiterated its stance on enforcing the “no work, no pay” policy for striking lecturers, maintaining that continued dialogue remains the best way to resolve the crisis.
The education minister reaffirmed that the Tinubu administration remains open to engagement and urged ASUU to put the interests of students and the education sector first.
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