The Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria branch of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has issued a stern warning to the Federal Government, holding it responsible for any potential strike action.

The union staged a peaceful protest on Friday, June 21, in Zaria, Kaduna State, decrying neglect and unfulfilled promises by the government.

Comrade Haruna Mohammed Jibril, the branch Chairman, outlined the union's demands, including the renegotiation of the 2009 FGN/ASUU Agreement, funding for public university revitalization, and payment of outstanding entitlements. He lamented the government's refusal to renegotiate the agreement despite 15 years having passed since its signing.

The union accused the government of stalling the renegotiation process, which began in 2017, due to the insistence on reintroducing the Education Bank, which would lead to exorbitant tuition fees for students. Despite progress made, lecturers have remained on the same salary regime since 2009, and universities continue to suffer from poor funding, relying on TETFund, meant to be an intervention agency, as the main source of funding.

The ASUU/ABU branch urged the public to hold the federal government responsible if a strike occurs and called for support from parents, students, and stakeholders in their struggle for better university funding and conditions. The union emphasized that the government's failure to address their demands would inevitably lead to a strike, which would have far-reaching consequences for the education sector.