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‘Pay us our N1.1 Trillion debt or we strike’- ASUU threatens FG
The Academic Staff Union of Universities on Thursday called on the Federal Government to effect the payment of N1.1tn which had been earmarked for the funding of public universities for the last six years.
The union also said it had commenced mobilisation of its members in all the zones for a strike which it said would begin soon.
Speaking during a press briefing in Jos, the Plateau State capital, the coordinator of ASUU, Bauchi Zone, Prof. Lawan Abubakar, also faulted the claim by the Minister of Finance, Zainab Ahmed, that the Federal Government had approved the release of N20bn to the union, saying the union did not collect grant from the government, thus, the money was for the universities.
The zone comprises Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi; Bauchi State University; Federal University, Kashere; Gombe State University; University of Jos; and Plateau State University, Bokkos.
“What will N20bn do for the 64 public universities in this country? What we want now is the N1.1tn. That is the amount that the government should release; not the N20bn,” Abubakar said.
According to the documents released by ASUU, the Federal Government was to provide funds for the revitalisation of the university system between 2013 and 2018. Under the arrangement, the universities were to get N200bn funding in 2013, while N220bn was earmarked for 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018.
Also, a dedicated revitalisation account was to be opened at the Central Bank of Nigeria by the Federal Government, and funds paid on a quarterly basis from which the universities would draw the funds.
But while frowning upon the refusal of the Federal Government to honour the agreement, Abubakar stated, “I cannot be definite on the date for the commencement of the strike action. We are still mobilising. We will submit a report on this mobilisation from the various zones and the national leadership will invite the National Executive Council that will now take that decision.
“The N20bn claim by the Minister of Finance was one of the conditions we gave and agreed upon with government in 2017 to suspend the strike then. And the government promised that it was going to release the N20bn in two weeks. That was in 2017, and here we are in September 2018. When the government sensed that we were mobilising our members to take action on those issues, including the N20bn, which was just a palliative, it decided to be political.”
The zone also said it was not comfortable with Wale Babalakin (SAN) as the leader of the government’s renegotiation team, alleging that Babalakin had been antagonistic of the process by being absent from meetings, among other things.
He added, “The kind of individual we want to head the government team must be a stakeholder in the Nigerian public university system and must be committed to solving the problems that we have in the university. With that and with a change in the personality that has such interest, we will simply come back to the table and continue with the renegotiation.”
Meanwhile, the coordinator of Port Harcourt Zone of the union, Uzo Onyebinama, has described the proposed education bank and tuition scheme by the Federal Government as a ploy to commercialise public university education and serve as an incentive for private universities in the country.
Speaking with journalists at the University of Port Harcourt on Thursday, Onyebinama explained that the scheme, if approved, would deny poor people access to higher education.
He added that the Federal Government’s introduction of the scheme into the renegotiation of the 2009 agreement process was an attempt to blackmail the union before the students.
He, therefore, called on the Federal Government to restart the renegotiation process by reconstituting the current government team and implementing the outstanding components of the 2017 Memorandum of Agreement, while imploring governors to tackle the issue of underfunding and desist from interfering in the administration of state universities.
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Sofela Salutes Workers, Calls Them Pillars of Ogun Central’s Progress
Solanke Ayomideji Taiwo
The Senatorial Aspirant for Ogun Central under the All Progressives Congress (APC), Emmanuel Adebola Sofela, has extended warm felicitations to workers across the district in celebration of the 2026 International Workers’ Day.
In a goodwill message released to mark the global event, Sofela praised the resilience, diligence, and unwavering commitment of workers in Abeokuta South, Abeokuta North, Odeda, Obafemi-Owode, Ifo, and Ewekoro Local Government Areas, noting that their contributions remain central to the growth and development of Ogun Central and Nigeria at large.
Describing workers as the “engine room of progress,” Sofela acknowledged the sacrifices made daily by individuals in both the public and private sectors. He emphasized that from civil servants and entrepreneurs to artisans, traders, and professionals, every category of worker plays a vital role in sustaining the economy and strengthening the social fabric of the region.
“On this special occasion of International Workers’ Day, I celebrate the hardworking men and women across Ogun Central whose dedication and commitment continue to drive our collective progress,” the statement read. “Your efforts, whether seen or unseen, form the foundation upon which our communities thrive.”
Sofela highlighted the importance of recognizing and rewarding hard work, stressing that workers deserve not only commendation but also improved welfare, fair opportunities, and an enabling environment to maximize their potential. He called for renewed focus on policies that prioritize job creation, economic empowerment, and sustainable development.
The senatorial hopeful also paid special tribute to workers in essential services, including healthcare personnel, security operatives, teachers, and sanitation workers, who he said consistently demonstrate exceptional courage and responsibility, often under challenging conditions.
“You remain the backbone of our society, standing firm in service even in difficult times. Your dedication inspires hope and strengthens our resolve to build a better future,” he added.
Reaffirming his commitment to the people of Ogun Central, Sofela assured that his aspiration is driven by a desire to advocate for workers’ rights, promote inclusive growth, and support initiatives that will enhance productivity and improve living standards across the district.
As Workers’ Day is celebrated worldwide, his message resonates as both a tribute and a call to action—recognizing the invaluable role of workers while emphasizing the need for sustained efforts to uplift and empower them.
Across Ogun Central, the celebration served as a reminder that behind every achievement lies the dedication of hardworking individuals whose contributions continue to shape the present and secure the future.
Happy International Workers’ Day.
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Chief Abdul Tunji Mohammed (ATM) Picks APC Senate Nomination Form for Ondo North
Chief Abdul Tunji Mohammed (ATM), the Balogun of Ikare Land, has officially picked the All Progressives Congress (APC) Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms for the Ondo North Senatorial District ahead of the party’s primary election.
Chief ATM obtained the forms at the APC National Secretariat in Abuja on Thursday, signaling his formal entry into the 2027 senatorial race. He was accompanied by party leaders, youth groups, and supporters from across the six local government areas of Ondo North.
Speaking shortly after picking the forms, Chief ATM said the move was in response to “persistent calls from traditional rulers, elders, women, and youths of Ondo North who desire effective and people-centered representation.”
“My aspiration is not about me. It is about restoring the voice of Ondo North, attracting federal presence, and creating jobs for our youth,” ATM stated. “With the support of our leaders and the grace of God, we are ready for the primary and the general election.”
Party faithful who thronged the secretariat described ATM as “the most prepared and acceptable aspirant,” citing his recent endorsements by former Deputy Governor Ali Olanusi, first-class traditional rulers, and the Ondo North Youth Alliance (ONYA).
Chief ATM reaffirmed his commitment to party unity and a clean, issue-based campaign. He called on delegates to prioritize competence and track record during the primaries.
The APC is expected to announce dates for screening and primary elections in the coming weeks.
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Olukare of Ikare, Oba Akadri Momoh, and Council Endorse Balogun ATM for Senate 2027
His Royal Majesty, Oba Akadri Momoh, The Olukare of Ikare Land, alongside his Oba-in-Council of chiefs and elders, has endorsed Chief Abdul Tunji Mohammed (ATM), the Balogun of Ikare, for the Ondo North Senatorial seat in 2027.
The endorsement was announced on Monday at the Olukare’s Palace during Chief ATM’s courtesy visit. Oba Akadri Momoh described ATM as “a true son of Ikare” with the character and competence to represent Ondo North. “He respects tradition and has never turned his back on our people. He has our royal blessing,” the Olukare said.
Chiefs present echoed the monarch, citing ATM’s consistent support for education, healthcare, and empowerment in Akoko land as proof of his readiness.
Chief ATM thanked the Olukare and Council for the “sacred mandate,” pledging to make the welfare of Ikare and Ondo North his priority in the Senate. “In Abuja, the voice of Ikare will be loud, clear, and respected,” he said.
*Signed:*
ATM Campaign Media Team
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