BY NEWS DESK, NOVEMBER 11, 2025 | 11:01 AM
The President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Joe Ajaero, has called on private universities across the country to join the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, in the struggle for improved conditions in the education sector.
Mr Ajaero made the call during The Toyin Falola Interview Series held on Sunday, titled “A Conversation with the President of ASUU, Professor Christopher Piwuna.”
The event, which drew members of the academic community, focused on issues affecting Nigeria’s tertiary education system, including the recurring ASUU strikes, government neglect, and the alleged harassment of union members.
Speaking at the forum, Mr Ajaero urged ASUU to begin discussions on unionising academic staff in private universities, arguing that such inclusion would strengthen the collective voice of Nigerian lecturers.
“The incessant harassment of ASUU and its members must stop,” he said.
“It is surprising that the government willingly signed agreements with ASUU since 2009 but has consistently refused to honour them.”
He alleged that both ASUU’s creation and the proliferation of private universities were initially intended to weaken the NLC and fragment the academic labour movement.
Mr Ajaero therefore called for unity among all university-based unions to harmonise their demands and present a common front to the government.
In his remarks, ASUU President, Prof. Chris Piwuna, emphasised that true autonomy and excellence in universities could only be achieved when staff are adequately equipped with the necessary facilities and support.
He dismissed claims that ASUU members are self-centered, insisting that they continue to make sacrifices despite persistent intimidation from authorities.
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