The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has announced a two-week warning strike starting today, following the expiration of an ultimatum issued to the Federal Government. This decision was confirmed by ASUU’s National President, Prof. Chris Piwuna, during a press briefing at the University of Abuja.
The renewed conflict arises amid ongoing negotiations to address disputes over welfare, funding, and the implementation of the 2009 ASUU-FGN Agreement. Last week, the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, indicated that the government was in the final stages of discussions with ASUU and other unions. The government had already released ₦50 billion for Earned Academic Allowances, with an additional ₦150 billion earmarked in the 2025 budget for needs assessment.
However, Piwuna stated that the conditions set by the government were insufficient to prevent the strike, emphasizing that the union would withdraw services comprehensively. The union is demanding the conclusion of the renegotiated 2009 agreement, the release of withheld salaries, sustainable funding for public universities, the revitalization of institutions, and cessation of victimization of lecturers, among other issues.
Despite the government’s invitation for further dialogue, ASUU rejected the latest proposal, stating it did not adequately address their concerns. Piwuna noted that the union will soon present its own proposal highlighting discrepancies in the government’s offer.
The Federal Government has threatened to invoke the “no-work-no-pay” policy in response to the strike declaration. Ministers Alausa and Prof. Suwaiba Ahmad urged ASUU to reconsider its decision and emphasized that dialogue is the best path to resolving outstanding issues.
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has called for urgency from the government in resolving the situation, expressing concern over the impact of the strike on students. NANS has initiated consultations to mediate between ASUU and the government.
In a related development, the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics has given the government a six-week deadline to address its own demands, indicating a growing unrest within the educational sector.
