The implementation of the latest agreement between the Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has triggered fresh concerns in Nigeria’s university system, with lecturers in 57 state-owned universities reportedly facing uncertainty over the implementation of the new salary and allowance package.
The development could deepen tension between ASUU and state governments, particularly as lecturers in some state-owned institutions are demanding that the benefits contained in the Federal Government-ASUU agreement be extended to them.
The agreement provides for a 40 per cent increase in the Consolidated Academic Allowance, alongside other improvements in lecturers’ remuneration and conditions of service.
Under the agreement, Professors are also expected to receive an additional ₦140,000 monthly, while Readers are expected to receive about ₦70,000 monthly.
However, the implementation has become complicated because state universities are funded and administered by individual state governments, rather than directly by the Federal Government.
Full List of the 57 State Universities
The 57 state universities referenced in the report are:
- Rivers State University, Port Harcourt
- Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma
- Abia State University, Uturu
- Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Enugu
- Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye
- Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti
- Lagos State University, Ojo
- Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso
- Imo State University, Owerri
- Benue State University, Makurdi
- Delta State University, Abraka
- Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko
- Kogi State University, Anyigba
- Niger Delta University, Yenagoa
- Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Uli
- Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology, Wudil
- Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki
- Nasarawa State University, Keffi
- Adamawa State University, Mubi
- Gombe State University, Gombe
- Kaduna State University, Kaduna
- University of Cross River State, Calabar
- Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai
- Plateau State University, Bokkos
- Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology, Okitipupa
- Tai Solarin University of Education, Ijagun
- Umaru Musa Yar’Adua University, Katsina
- Yobe State University, Damaturu
- Kebbi State University of Science and Technology, Aliero
- Osun State University, Osogbo
- Taraba State University, Jalingo
- Kwara State University, Ilorin
- Sokoto State University, Sokoto
- Akwa Ibom State University, Ikot Akpaden
- Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Rumuolumeni
- Bauchi State University, Gadau
- Northwest University, Kano
- First Technical University, Ibadan
- Sule Lamido University, Kafin Hausa
- University of Medical Sciences, Ondo
- Edo State University, Iyamho
- Kingsley Ozumba Mbadiwe University, Imo State
- University of Africa, Toru-Orua, Bayelsa State
- Borno State University, Maiduguri
- Moshood Abiola University of Science and Technology, Abeokuta
- Gombe State University of Science and Technology, Kumo
- Zamfara State University, Talata-Mafara
- Bayelsa Medical University, Yenagoa
- University of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, Umuagwo, Imo State
- Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology, Ikere-Ekiti
- Confluence University of Science and Technology, Osara, Kogi State
- University of Delta, Agbor
- Delta University of Science and Technology, Ozoro
- Dennis Osadebay University, Asaba
- Lagos State University of Education, Ijanikin
- Lagos State University of Science and Technology, Ikorodu
- Shehu Shagari University of Education, Sokoto
The historical NUC register confirms the emergence of these institutions among Nigeria’s state-owned universities, although several have subsequently been joined by newly established state universities.
Why implementation is becoming contentious
The central issue is whether state governments should automatically implement an agreement negotiated between ASUU and the Federal Government.
While lecturers in federal universities fall directly under the Federal Government’s funding structure, state university lecturers are employees of their respective state governments.
Consequently, ASUU has been putting pressure on state governments to domesticate and implement the provisions of the agreement.
The union has already raised the possibility of industrial action in some states where lecturers’ demands remain unresolved.
Seven universities face particular pressure
ASUU has warned of possible disruption of academic activities in seven state-owned universities across Edo, Delta and Ondo States over delays in implementing the agreement and settling outstanding payments.
The development has raised fears that the disagreement could spread to more institutions if state governments fail to respond to the union’s demands.
What it means for students
For students enrolled in affected state universities, the major concern is the possibility of another disruption to academic activities.
A prolonged dispute could lead to:
- Suspension of lectures and examinations;
- Extension of academic calendars;
- Delayed graduation and mobilisation for NYSC;
- Increased financial pressure on students and parents; and
- Further migration of lecturers from state to federal or private universities.
The Federal Government’s salary and allowance adjustments were introduced as part of efforts to improve lecturers’ welfare, retain academic staff and reduce industrial disputes in the university system.
However, the disparity between federal and state university implementation could create a new fault line in Nigeria’s tertiary education sector.
Important clarification
The figure of 57 universities should not be interpreted as the current total number of state universities in Nigeria. The NUC’s current register now contains 69 state universities, following the establishment and approval of additional institutions between 2023 and 2026.
Therefore, the 57 institutions listed above represent the universities associated with the 57-state-university figure used in the report, rather than a claim that only those 57 state universities currently exist in Nigeria.
Guardian News