ASUU Alleges Abandonment of Retired Varsity Lecturers

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has accused the federal government and university authorities of abandoning retired academic staff.

It described the situation as one of the lingering welfare crises confronting Nigeria’s university system.

The union brought the issue to the fore at a press conference at the Yuli Campus of Sa’adu Zungur University, Bauchi, where it lamented the neglect of retired lecturers who had dedicated decades of service to the nation’s tertiary education sector.

On behalf of ASUU Bauchi Zone, the zonal coordinator, Comrade Namo Timothy Aku, said many retired academics were facing severe hardship due to delays and irregularities in the payment of their entitlements and pensions.

According to him, the welfare of retired university workers remains one of several unresolved issues in the education sector despite ongoing engagements between ASUU and the federal government.

Aku noted that the union had expected the implementation of the January 14, 2026 ASUU/Federal Government agreement to address critical welfare concerns affecting both serving and retired members of the academic community.

He, however, expressed disappointment that progress on the agreement had slowed, particularly due to the delay in inaugurating the Implementation Monitoring Committee (IMC), which is expected to oversee and facilitate the execution of the agreement.

The ASUU coordinator warned that continued neglect of retired academics could worsen frustration within the university system and undermine morale among serving lecturers.

“Our retired colleagues who devoted their productive years to teaching, research and national development deserve dignity and adequate care, not abandonment,” he said.

The union urged both federal and state governments to prioritise the release of funds for the implementation of agreed welfare packages and settlement of outstanding entitlements.

ASUU also linked the welfare concerns to broader challenges in the university system, including funding gaps, policy inconsistencies, and delays in implementing agreements reached with the union.

Our correspondent reports that the Bauchi Zone of ASUU comprises institutions such as the University of Jos, Gombe State University, Plateau State University, Federal University Kashere, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Sa’adu Zungur University and the Federal University of Education, Pankshin.