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The Association of Nigerian Universities Alumni (ANUA) has called for immediate intervention by the Nigerian government to avert another industrial action across the nation’s universities.
The Association made the call as part of resolutions at the end of its Special Bi-Annual Delegates Conference held at the Sa’adu Zungur University, Bauchi State, which brought together delegates from 36 member associations representing all six geopolitical zones in Nigeria.
A statement by Mallam Sulehiun Maccido, the Public Relations Officer of ANUA, quoted the National President of the Association, Professor Yakubu A. Ochefu, as saying that the conference resolved that there was an urgent need for the government to look at the gravity of the situation and negotiate with the university unions to bring peace to campuses.
“Nigeria’s academic calendar cannot afford another disruption. We call on the federal government to prioritise negotiations with university-based unions and ensure lasting peace in the sector,’’ he said.
Recall that the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, had given a 14-day ultimatum to the Nigerian government to meet its earlier negotiated demands or face strike action. The ultimatum expires on Sunday this week.
Professor Ochefu said other resolutions of the association include strong advocacy for the amendment of Nigerian university laws to mandate the inclusion of alumni association presidents on university governing councils.
‘’This is to ensure alumni experience is formally integrated into university decision-making,’’ he said.
According to him, the association also commended the Federal Government for the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFund); however, it recommended a continuous review of its framework for wider accessibility.
‘’It also called on state and local governments to institute robust scholarship and bursary schemes,’’ he said.
He said the conference equally noted the challenges of underfunding, insufficient infrastructure, and inadequate carrying capacity that are jeopardising the nation’s human capital development in Nigerian universities. It called on the government to pay more attention to these critical areas.
Professor Ochefu said that the conference likewise advocated for the creation of a robust “Alumni Economy” where networks generate businesses, employment, and wealth that can be channelled back to support universities in a self-sustaining cycle.
‘’The conference signalled a fundamental shift in the role of alumni, resolving that members must move from being “passive observers to active partners” in revitalising Nigeria’s university system,’’ he said
He added that the group resolved that a landmark National Education Summit will be convened in 2026 to bring together all stakeholders, including policymakers, administrators, the private sector, and civil society, to create a roadmap for 21st-century university education in Nigeria.
The Association of Nigerian Universities Alumni (ANUA) is the unifying national body for all university alumni associations in Nigeria.
Formed after a historic merger in 2024 that brought together previously separate alumni groups, ANUA is committed to the strategic revitalisation of Nigeria’s university system through policy advocacy, direct intervention, and harnessing the collective resources of its members.