The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has announced a two-week warning strike starting today (Monday), following the expiration of its 14-day ultimatum to the Federal Government.
The decision was confirmed by ASUU’s National President, Prof. Chris Piwuna, during a press briefing on Sunday at the University of Abuja. He said the union had no choice but to proceed with industrial action after the government failed to meet its key demands.
“All branches of ASUU are hereby directed to withdraw their services with effect from midnight on Monday, October 13, 2025,” Piwuna said. “The warning strike shall be total and comprehensive as resolved at the last NEC meeting.”
Breakdown of Issues
ASUU’s demands include:
Completion of the renegotiated 2009 FGN-ASUU Agreement
Payment of withheld 3½ months’ salaries
Sustainable and improved funding for public universities
Revitalisation of tertiary institutions
End to alleged victimisation of lecturers at LASU, Kogi State University, and FUTO
Settlement of 25–35% salary arrears, four years of promotion arrears, and withheld third-party deductions
Despite ongoing discussions, ASUU rejected the government’s latest proposal, describing it as inadequate and inconsistent with prior agreements.
> “The presentation to ASUU was a total departure from the letter and spirit of the review of the draft agreement,” Piwuna said. “The documents were hurriedly packaged, provocative, and incapable of resolving the growing tensions across campuses.”
He added that ASUU plans to submit its counterproposal to the government, highlighting what it views as “deliberate distortions and inconsistencies.”
Government’s Response
Reacting to the strike, the Federal Ministry of Education expressed disappointment and reiterated its commitment to dialogue. In a joint statement signed by Minister of Education Dr. Tunji Alausa and Minister of State for Education Prof. Suwaiba Ahmad, the government urged ASUU to reconsider its decision.
Ministry spokesperson Folasade Boriowo stated that the government had made a comprehensive offer addressing issues related to welfare, institutional governance, and working conditions. She added that N50 billion had already been released for Earned Academic Allowances, while N150 billion was captured in the 2025 budget for university revitalisation.
> “Dialogue remains the most effective path to resolving disagreements,” the statement read. “However, the government will be guided by the extant ‘no work, no pay’ policy should the strike continue.”
The government assured Nigerians that it remains committed to maintaining stability in the tertiary education system and called on all unions to embrace constructive engagement.
Students Appeal for Resolution
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has urged both ASUU and the Federal Government to act swiftly to resolve the impasse.
NANS Assistant General Secretary Adejuwon Emmanuel said the students’ body had been monitoring developments and was deeply concerned about the potential impact on academic activities.
> “Nigerian students have endured too many disruptions. Another strike will only worsen their hardship,” Emmanuel said.
He revealed that NANS President Olushola Oladoja had begun consultations to mediate between both parties, appealing for sincerity and urgency in addressing ASUU’s grievances.
ASUP Gives FG Six Weeks
In a related development, the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) has given the government a six-week deadline to address its own demands.
Following its 115th National Executive Council meeting on October 9, 2025, ASUP acknowledged some progress, including the release of the Peculiar Academic Allowance circular and the 2025 NEEDS Assessment intervention.
The union said it would continue to engage constructively but expects full implementation of agreed resolutions within the given timeframe.
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