ASUU Rejects Federal Government’s Loan Scheme for University Staff: "We're in Debt"

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has rejected the Federal Government's loan scheme for university staff, citing existing debts and deeper crises in the education sector. The scheme, known as the Tertiary Institutions Staff Support Fund (TISSF), was unveiled as part of President Bola Tinubu's education reform agenda, offering N10 million to academic staff for housing, healthcare, transportation, and professional training.

ASUU President Professor Christopher Piwuna criticized the initiative as a "poison," arguing that lecturers are already burdened with debt from cooperative credit sources. The union demands better pay, full implementation of the renegotiated 2009 agreement, and sustainable funding for university revitalization.

ASUU warned of a possible strike if the government fails to address these grievances and engage in dialogue.