Barely a week to the commencement of its planned industrial action, the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has begun mobilising its members across public universities in preparation for a nationwide strike.
The development follows what the union described as the federal government’s “continued silence” despite being formally notified of its grievances and demands.
Ultimatum Nears Expiration
ASUU had issued a 14-day ultimatum to the government on September 29, 2025, demanding the implementation of agreements reached earlier in the year. The union warned that it would embark on a two-week warning strike starting Sunday, September 28, if the government failed to take “acceptable and satisfactory steps” to address lingering issues.
The planned action is expected to escalate into a total and indefinite shutdown of public universities if the federal government does not meet its demands within the ultimatum period.
Union Issues Fresh Directive
In a new letter dated October 5, 2025, and sent to all branches of the union, ASUU President, Prof. Chris Piwuna, expressed frustration over the lack of progress in negotiations.
Piwuna noted that the National Executive Council (NEC), after evaluating referendum results from its branches, resolved to proceed with industrial action if the government fails to sign and implement the renegotiated agreement transmitted since February 2025.
“It is now one week since those resolutions were reached and communicated to the appropriate authorities. I regret to inform you that there is no meaningful development deserving of any consideration to be reported,” Piwuna stated.
He urged members to prepare for full mobilisation, stressing that the union’s strength lies in its collective action.
“The days ahead call for mobilisation of every member of our union to ensure unity of purpose. No one should be left out of the struggle for our welfare, to stem the Japa syndrome, and reposition the Nigerian University System for global competitiveness,” he added.
Demands Yet to Be Addressed
Among ASUU’s core demands are the signing and implementation of the renegotiated 2009 agreement, improved funding for universities, better welfare packages for lecturers, and steps to address brain drain in the tertiary education sector.
The union accused the government of dragging its feet on commitments made during previous negotiations, some of which have been pending for over eight years.
The renewed threat of industrial action has sparked concern among students, parents, and education stakeholders who fear another prolonged shutdown of academic activities. Previous nationwide strikes by ASUU have resulted in significant disruptions to academic calendars, delayed graduations, and increased pressure on Nigeria’s already strained higher education system.
The federal government has not issued any official response since the union’s latest letter, raising fears that another major standoff may be imminent if both sides fail to reach an agreement before the ultimatum expires.
