ASUU Rejects Inclusion In Federal Government’s New Loan Scheme
THE Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has rejected a new plan by the Federal Government to make the union serve as a guarantor under the Tertiary Institution Staff Support Fund scheme recently introduced by President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
The rejection was announced in a statement signed by ASUU President, Christopher Piwuna, following the union’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held at Usmanu Danfodio University, Sokoto (UDUS), between August 16 and 17, 2025.
According to the statement, the union’s decision came after extensive deliberations by NEC members on the implications of the proposed loan initiative for academic and non-academic staff of tertiary institutions.
“NEC deliberated extensively on the proposed Tertiary Institutions Support Fund,” Piwuna stated. “Consequently, NEC resolved to reject the ploy to conscript ASUU as a ‘guarantor’ of loans the union knows nothing about. ASUU demands to be delisted from the process.”
Union Plans Protests and Press Conferences
ASUU also announced plans to hold press conferences and coordinated protest actions across its branches to express its disapproval of the government’s approach.
“NEC discussed the state of the struggle and government’s slow pace in addressing the issues in contention,” the statement continued. “Consequently, NEC resolved to organise protests across all branches simultaneously on a fixed date. The date for the protests and press conferences will be communicated in due course.”
The union emphasized that it remains committed to protecting the welfare and independence of its members and will not support policies that could undermine their financial or professional integrity.
Background to the Controversy
In late July 2025, the Federal Ministry of Education announced the introduction of the Tertiary Institution Staff Support Fund (TISSF) — a welfare-oriented loan scheme aimed at enhancing financial stability, improving living conditions, and promoting career development among tertiary institution workers.
However, ASUU maintains that the policy lacks transparency and that the government included the union as a loan guarantor without any consultation.
The latest rejection adds to a long list of disputes between ASUU and the federal government over funding, welfare, and autonomy in Nigeria’s higher education system.
(Leadership News)
