ASUU crisis: ‘We are ready for negotiation’ – Kaduna govt

The Kaduna State Government has expressed its willingness to negotiate with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) at the Kaduna State University (KASU) to resolve the issues raised by the union. Government spokesperson Professor Bello Ayuba made this statement during a press briefing at Sir Kashim Ibrahim House in Kaduna. He urged the union to abandon its two-week ultimatum over the non-implementation of the 2025 Federal Government-ASUU agreement and emphasized the importance of constructive dialogue.

Ayuba stated that the government was committed to addressing the legitimate concerns of KASU academic staff and would continue to engage the union and university management to find lasting solutions. However, he cautioned that industrial action should be a measure of last resort due to its potential impact on students and academic activities.

Ayuba also disputed claims that 200 professors and other academic staff had left the university, citing records that showed only 59 staff members had left between January 2024 and August 2026.

The government highlighted its financial commitment to staff welfare, having spent over N896 million on welfare at KASU and settling outstanding liabilities exceeding N1 billion. Ayuba assured the union of the government's openness to discussions aimed at protecting staff interests while safeguarding students' future and the university's stability.