The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has firmly rejected the Federal Government’s proposed 35% salary increment for university lecturers, describing it as grossly inadequate and far below continental standards. The union insists that the offer does nothing to address the deep-rooted crisis of underfunding in Nigerian universities.

This position was made clear during a press briefing held at the Lagos State University of Education (LASUED), where the ASUU Lagos Zonal Coordinator, Prof. Adesola Nassir, criticised the federal government’s proposal as “wretched” and unfit for sustaining academic professionals.

Why ASUU Rejected the 35% Salary Increase

According to Prof. Nassir, the proposed increment does not reflect current economic realities nor the level of professional responsibility carried by academic staff.

He explained that:

• Nigeria’s academics remain among the lowest-paid in Africa.
  
• The offer is “unscientific” and fails to correct years of economic decline.
  
• The current value of university salaries has collapsed drastically.
  

When the 2009 FG–ASUU agreement was signed, a professor earned around $3,000 monthly. Today, lecturers earn barely $400, highlighting the severe depreciation of wages.

Professors, even after the proposed increase, will still not earn up to ₦1 million monthly, and after tax deductions, their take-home pay falls to around ₦700,000.

ASUU warns that this poor remuneration fuels brain drain, crippling the quality and stability of higher education in Nigeria.

Education Funding: ASUU Raises Alarm

Beyond salaries, ASUU emphasised the long-standing neglect of the Nigerian education sector.

Prof. Nassir revealed that:

• Nigeria’s investment in education has been below 10% for years.
  
• Current spending is under 1% of the national GDP.
  
• In comparison:
  
  • Egypt allocates about 2%
    
  • South Africa allocates about 6%
    

He stressed that the crisis has reached a dangerous level, and failure to increase funding poses severe consequences for future generations.

“The government must confront the perilous consequences of its neglect and prioritise the future of our children,” he warned.

ASUU Calls for Nationwide Support

ASUU urged Nigerians, students, parents and stakeholders to join in demanding proper funding, insisting that education is too critical to be ignored.

The union maintains that without a substantial and sustainable upward review of salaries and funding structures, universities cannot function effectively.

Strike Action Possible if Government Fails to Act

As negotiations continue, ASUU warns that it may be forced into another nationwide strike if the federal government fails to honour the 2009 agreement and address the funding crisis.

Prof. Nassir cautioned:

“If the government does not adhere to the agreements made in 2009, a miracle will be needed to avoid a complete shutdown of public universities.”

Conclusion

ASUU’s rejection of the 35% salary increment is rooted in a wider demand: proper financing of Nigerian universities. With worsening economic conditions, declining staff welfare, and dangerously low educational funding, the union insists that only meaningful commitments from the federal government can prevent another round of nationwide disruptions.