By Muhammad Mamman
Nigeria’s academic staff union has urged the federal government to confront what it describes as the continued economic hardship facing millions of citizens, warning that daily survival remains a struggle for many families.
The President of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Professor Chris Piwuna, made the remarks while addressing the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, calling on him to relay the concerns directly to his colleagues at the Federal Executive Council (FEC).
“Honourable Minister, when you go for the next FEC meeting, please tell your colleagues that the economic situation in the country is still hard,” Piwuna said. “Meals are hard to come by. Transportation is still a challenge. Families are struggling to keep their bodies and souls together.”
The ASUU leader painted a stark picture of rising living costs, eroding purchasing power and the strain on households, arguing that official claims of economic recovery do not reflect the lived realities of ordinary Nigerians.
Piwuna also addressed the country’s security situation, acknowledging what he described as visible efforts by security agencies but urging authorities to intensify their actions.
“Tell those in charge of security that we’ve noticed that they’re up and doing. We support them, and we want them to do more,” he said.
His comments add to mounting pressure on President Bola Tinubu’s administration as labour unions, civil society groups and citizens continue to voice concerns over inflation, transport costs and food insecurity.
The federal government has repeatedly said it is implementing reforms aimed at stabilising the economy and improving security nationwide, though critics argue that tangible relief for households remains elusive.
