Prof. Adeola Egbedokun, Zonal Coordinator for ASUU, Akure Zone, made the statement on Thursday while briefing journalists at the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) ASUU Secretariat in Ile-Ife. He said the union suspended its warning strike in goodwill, acknowledging the support of students, parents, labour unions, and civil society groups.
Egbedokun highlighted key unresolved demands, including the completion of the renegotiation of the 2009 ASUU-FGN Agreement, payment of outstanding salary and promotion arrears, and the release of unremitted third-party deductions. The union is also calling for an end to the victimisation of ASUU members at Lagos State University, Kogi State University, and the Federal University of Technology Owerri, as well as sustainable funding and revitalisation of the university system.
Appealing for continued support, Egbedokun urged traditional rulers, community leaders, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), students, and civil society organisations to stand with ASUU in its push for better education standards.
He also criticised the Federal Government’s policies on university establishment, noting inconsistencies despite a seven-year moratorium on new licences. Egbedokun emphasised that while first-generation universities have adequate staff, laboratories, and infrastructure, many newly established institutions lack the necessary facilities and personnel.
“It is unfortunate that some of these mushroom universities admit thousands of students into a few classrooms without proper facilities or offices for lecturers. If the Federal Government channels more resources into strengthening existing universities, there will be fewer crises and less need for complaints,” he said.
ASUU officials present at the briefing included Prof. Anthony Odiwe (OAU), Prof. Bamidele Mogaji (FUTA), Prof. Sola Afolayan (EKSU), Prof. Babatope Ogundare (BOUESTI), Dr. Abayomi Fagbuagun (UNIMED), Dr. Abraham Oladebeye (FUOYE), and Dr. Bosun Ajisafe (AFUED).