Barring any last-minute intervention, the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) will commence a two-week warning strike on Monday, following the expiration of its two-week ultimatum to the Federal Government to address long-standing demands concerning lecturers’ welfare, university funding, and the full implementation of the 2009 ASUU-FGN Agreement. Despite the deadline ending on Sunday night, the Federal Government has yet to release any official statement regarding the impending industrial action.
Reliable sources within the union confirmed that ASUU’s national leadership has directed all its branches across the country to prepare for the warning strike, with most chapters already holding meetings to mobilize members. The decision comes amid what the union describes as “prolonged government inaction and insincerity” over issues that have lingered for years despite multiple rounds of negotiations.
The current impasse between ASUU and the Federal Government is unfolding even as discussions were reportedly ongoing to avert another disruption to academic activities in Nigeria’s public universities. On Wednesday, the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, disclosed in Abuja that the government had reached the final stage of talks with ASUU and other tertiary education unions to resolve disputes over salary arrears, earned allowances, and university revitalization funding.
Dr. Alausa revealed that the Tinubu administration had demonstrated commitment to addressing these concerns, citing the recent release of ₦50 billion for the payment of Earned Academic Allowances (EAA) and the inclusion of another ₦150 billion in the 2025 federal budget for university needs assessment projects. He explained that the ₦150 billion would be disbursed in three tranches to ensure equitable implementation across institutions.
According to the minister, promotion arrears, teaching allowances, and wage awards have been addressed, while other outstanding obligations are expected to be fully settled by 2026. He appealed to ASUU to remain patient, emphasizing that the administration’s approach is based on sincerity and sustainability rather than quick, unsustainable fixes. “They deserve to be paid well,” Alausa said. “But we can’t give everything at once. What matters is our sincerity and our commitment to improving their conditions.”
Reiterating the government’s position, the minister urged the union to choose dialogue over disruption. “We have resolved many of these issues and are now finalizing the condition of service. This government is sincere and has demonstrated goodwill over the past two years. Please bear with us,” he added. Alausa also confirmed that, for the first time, the Solicitor-General of the Federation and officials from the Ministry of Justice are actively participating in negotiations to ensure legal soundness and enforceability of any new agreements.
However, ASUU president Professor Chris Piwuna expressed frustration at what he described as the government’s “habitual delay and lack of seriousness” in addressing key issues. He noted that unless the government presents a “substantial and tangible offer” within the next 48 hours, the planned warning strike would proceed as scheduled. “Their ultimatum expires on Sunday, and after that, there will be a warning strike unless something concrete comes out. We expect to receive something substantial from the government soon, and if not, our members will decide the next course of action,” Piwuna stated.
Reports from various universities indicate that preparations for the strike have already gained momentum. At institutions such as the University of Jos, Ahmadu Bello University (Zaria), and the University of Abuja, ASUU leaders have begun mobilization meetings to ensure full participation. A source at the University of Jos confirmed that local ASUU executives met with union leaders earlier this week to discuss strategy and coordination ahead of the nationwide industrial action.
The tension reflects a familiar pattern in Nigeria’s higher education system, where periodic strikes have disrupted academic calendars and undermined university operations. Many observers believe that without concrete government action, ASUU’s warning strike could escalate into a prolonged national shutdown, affecting students, academic schedules, and ongoing research projects.
When contacted for reaction, Mrs. Folasade Boriowo, spokesperson for the Federal Ministry of Education, declined to comment on the situation. As the deadline expires Sunday midnight, stakeholders across the education sector are watching closely, hoping that last-minute negotiations might avert what could become another major disruption in Nigeria’s university system.
