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Cracks Widen as ASUU Warns of Imminent Showdown Over ‘Flawed’  Agreement

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

 

 

The fragile truce between the Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) appears to be unravelling. The union has issued a strong warning of a potential confrontation, accusing both federal and state authorities of a “flawed and partial” implementation of their December 2025 agreement.

 

The resolution followed ASUU’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting, held at Modibbo Adama University in Yola.

 

In a statement issued after the meeting, ASUU President, Prof. Christopher Piwuna, expressed deep concern over what he described as the government’s reluctance to resolve several lingering disputes. These include the prolonged withholding of three and a half months of salaries, unpaid promotion arrears, salary shortfalls linked to the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS), unremitted third-party deductions, and outstanding arrears from the 25–35 per cent wage award.

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Prof. Piwuna warned that the growing frustration among university lecturers—stemming from what he termed the government’s seeming indifference to their welfare—is fuelling pent-up anger that could erupt into a new wave of industrial unrest if left unaddressed.

 

“The union appeals to all genuine patriots, well-meaning Nigerians, and lovers of Nigeria to prevail on state and federal governments to fully implement the new agreement and resolve all outstanding issues in the interest of parents, students, and the nation at large,” Prof. Piwuna said.

 

He added, “Our union’s doors remain open for working with government to realise all our demands. At the same time, NEC has directed that an emergency meeting be convened in the next few weeks to review the situation and take appropriate action as may be necessary.”

 

The current tension was not unforeseen. In March 2025, reports had suggested that the relative peace in public universities could be short-lived unless a renegotiated agreement with the government was fully implemented.

 

That landmark accord, which stakeholders had hoped would end the 16-year deadlock over the original 2009 agreement, was scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2026. Key provisions included a 40 per cent salary increase for lecturers, improved pension benefits, and overhauled, duty-based Earned Academic Allowances aimed at fostering stability and reducing strike actions.

 

However, five months after the implementation date, full compliance remains elusive. While some universities have reportedly implemented aspects of the agreement, the Federal Government has yet to follow suit, raising the spectre of renewed nationwide university closures.

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Insecurity:Sack Service Chiefs, Pastor Adeboye Urges FG

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has urged the federal government to give Nigeria’s security chiefs a 90-day deadline to eliminate terrorists across the country or resign from office.

Adeboye made the call in a video shared on X on Tuesday in which he expressed concern over the country’s security situation and urged authorities to act swiftly against those responsible for the violence.

Addressing the government, the cleric said security chiefs should be held accountable for delivering results in the fight against terrorism.

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“If I were asked to make suggestions, I would say quietly to our government, ‘Move fast and tell our security chiefs, get rid of these terrorists within 90 days or resign,” he said.

The cleric also called on the government to go beyond targeting terrorists and focus on those financing and supporting their activities.

“When giving orders to the service chiefs this time around, we should make it clear to them that they are not only to eliminate the terrorists; they should eliminate their sponsors, no matter how influential they may be,” he added.

Adeboye recalled advising a former Nigerian president to issue a similar ultimatum to security chiefs in the past, noting that although the directive was given, it was not fully enforced when the deadline elapsed.

According to him, the experience underscored the need for stronger political will and strict enforcement of directives aimed at ending insecurity.

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School Abductions: NUT Begins Nationwide Rally Today

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

Public schools across Oyo State shut down Monday as teachers joined a nationwide protest called by the Nigeria Union of Teachers over the ongoing captivity of pupils and teachers abducted 18 days ago.

Armed men attacked three schools in Oriire Local Government Area on May 15, taking students and teachers from Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School.

Protests erupted in Oyo and Ogun states, with residents and civil society groups demanding immediate release of the victims.

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In Ogbomoso, a distraught mother whose children were among the kidnapped broke down in tears: “Where will I start from? The children are my tomorrow. Please help me.”

Teacher Ajibola Aboderin said: “How can anyone be so heartless as to kidnap a two-year-old? This country is deteriorating.”

Compliance with the strike was reported across all 33 local government areas of Oyo State. Parents turned children away from closed schools.

The union calls on federal and state governments to intensify security efforts and secure the captives’ release.

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Press centre Food Vendor Hajiya Hadiza Is Dead

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The Kano press community has been thrown into mourning following the death of Hajiya Hadiza, a popular food vendor.

Known for her warm personality and dedication to her business, Hajiya Hadiza reportedly passed away on Monday morning after a brief illness.

News of her death spread rapidly across the Press Centre, and environs on Monday, leaving many journalists, media workers and associates in shock.

Colleagues described the development as devastating, saying her absence would be deeply felt within the media community after nearly two decades serving meals to media practitioners and members of the public .

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For years, Hajiya Hadiza’s food stand was more than a place to eat. It served as a meeting point where reporters, editors and guests gathered for meals, conversations and moments of relaxation amid their demanding schedules.

Beyond her role as a food vendor, she was widely recognized for providing employment opportunities to young women, many of whom learned valuable skills and earned a livelihood through her business.

Several journalists who spoke on the development recalled her kindness, generosity and motherly disposition. They noted that she treated customers with respect and maintained strong relationships with people from different walks of life.

Members of the NUJ Press Centre described her as an integral part of the environment, saying her contributions over the years helped shape the social fabric of the press community. They prayed for Almighty Allah to forgive her shortcomings and grant her eternal rest.

As tributes continue to pour in, many say Hajiya Hadiza’s legacy will endure through the countless lives she touched, the young women she empowered and the memories she created among generations of journalists who passed through the Press Centre.

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