The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has announced a two-week warning strike across Nigeria’s public universities, citing the Federal Government’s failure to honour longstanding agreements.
ASUU National President, Chris Piwuna, confirmed the industrial action in Abuja after a 14-day ultimatum issued to the government expired without resolution. The strike will begin at midnight on Sunday.
Piwuna said the union had exhausted dialogue options and decided to act after what he described as stalled negotiations.
“If the government does not address our demands within two weeks, we will escalate to a total and indefinite strike,” he warned.
Key Demands Behind the Strike
ASUU said unresolved issues continue to threaten the stability of Nigeria’s university system.
Among the major concerns are:
Renegotiation and signing of the 2009 FGN-ASUU Agreement
Payment of withheld three-and-a-half months’ salaries
Settlement of salary arrears ranging between 25% and 35%
Payment of outstanding promotion arrears
Release of withheld third-party deductions
Sustainable funding and revitalisation of public universities
The union also raised concerns about alleged victimisation of lecturers at Lagos State University, Prince Abubakar Audu University, and Federal University of Technology Owerri.
For official education policy updates, visit the Federal Ministry of Education: Nigeria’s Education Ministry Website
Breakdown in Negotiations
ASUU expressed dissatisfaction with a recent emergency meeting of the FGN–ASUU renegotiation committee held on October 10. According to Piwuna, documents presented by government representatives did not align with previous agreements.
He added that written assurances from the Ministry of Education had not translated into concrete action.
The union said it launched the warning strike to push authorities to act decisively and protect the future of Nigeria’s tertiary education system.
CONUA Rejects Strike Action
Meanwhile, the Congress of University Academics (CONUA) distanced itself from the strike.
Its National President, Niyi Sunmonu, said CONUA had no outstanding dispute with the government and would continue academic activities.
Sunmonu argued that repeated strikes have disrupted students’ academic progress without delivering lasting reforms. He said his union would pursue dialogue instead of industrial action.
Students Call for Urgent Resolution
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) urged both parties to resolve the dispute quickly. Student leaders stressed that prolonged disruptions harm academic calendars and increase uncertainty for undergraduates nationwide.
Why This Matters
Nigeria’s public universities have experienced frequent strikes over the past decade. Each shutdown affects millions of students and disrupts research, funding and academic planning.
With ASUU threatening a total shutdown if talks collapse, attention now shifts to the Federal Government’s next move.
Afri-Global News will continue to monitor developments as negotiations unfold.
