The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has announced the commencement of a two-week warning strike, beginning Monday, October 13, 2025, following the expiration of its 14-day ultimatum to the Federal Government.
The union’s National President, Prof. Chris Piwuna, made the announcement during a press briefing at the University of Abuja on Sunday.
This latest standoff between ASUU and the Federal Government comes despite ongoing negotiations aimed at resolving long-standing issues within the public university system.
Last week, the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, said the government was in the final stage of discussions with ASUU and other academic unions. He highlighted recent efforts, including the release of ₦50 billion for Earned Academic Allowances and the inclusion of ₦150 billion in the 2025 budget for needs assessment projects, to be disbursed in three phases.
However, announcing the strike, Prof. Piwuna stated:
“There is nothing sufficient on ground to halt the implementation of ASUU-NEC’s resolution to embark on a two-week warning strike at the expiration of the 14-day notice given on September 28, 2025.
Consequently, all ASUU branches are directed to withdraw their services from midnight, Monday, October 13, 2025. The warning strike shall be total and comprehensive.”
A source at the Education Ministry revealed that the Federal Government had extended an invitation to ASUU last Friday to present a new proposal. However, the offer was rejected by the union for failing to address its key demands.
ASUU’s demands include:
Completion of the renegotiated 2009 FGN-ASUU agreement
Payment of withheld 3.5 months’ salaries
Adequate and sustainable funding for public universities
Revitalisation of tertiary institutions
End to alleged victimisation of lecturers at LASU, Prince Abubakar Audu University, and FUTO
Payment of 25–35% salary arrears and promotion arrears spanning over four years
Release of withheld third-party deductions (such as cooperative contributions and union dues)
Prof. Piwuna criticised the government’s proposal, saying it deviated from the recommendations of the Yayale Ahmed Committee and failed to respect existing policies and agreements.
“The documents presented were provocative and incapable of easing the rising industrial tension across campuses. The government raised our hopes before the August NEC meeting at Usmanu Danfodio University, Sokoto, asking for three weeks to resolve issues. That hope has now been dashed.”
Meanwhile, the Federal Government has threatened to enforce the “no work, no pay” policy in response to ASUU’s strike declaration.
In a joint statement issued by Dr. Alausa and Prof. Suwaiba Ahmad, the Ministers of Education urged ASUU to reconsider its decision and return to the dialogue table.
According to ministry spokesperson Folasade Boriowo, the government’s latest offer comprehensively addresses ASUU’s concerns on welfare, institutional governance, and working conditions. She accused the union of failing to cooperate despite the administration’s goodwill.
The ministers reaffirmed the Tinubu administration’s commitment to ensuring academic stability under the Renewed Hope Agenda, stressing that dialogue remains the most effective solution.
“While the government continues to demonstrate flexibility, it will not compromise accountability in the use of public funds,” the statement read.
The government also reassured parents and students of its dedication to maintaining industrial harmony in the nation’s tertiary education system.
In reaction, the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) urged both parties to exercise restraint and seek a quick resolution.
Speaking in Abuja, Adejuwon Emmanuel, NANS Assistant General Secretary, expressed concern over the recurring disruptions in universities.
“Nigerian students have suffered enough. We appeal to ASUU to consider alternative measures, and we urge the Federal Government to act with sincerity and urgency. The future of our youth must not be sacrificed on the altar of bureaucracy,” he said.
Emmanuel disclosed that NANS President Olushola Oladoja has begun mediatory consultations between ASUU and the Federal Government to help avert prolonged industrial action.
In a related development, the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) has given the government six weeks to meet its own demands, citing recent progress on issues such as the release of the Peculiar Academic Allowance circular and renewed engagement through the Polytechnics Implementation Monitoring Committee.
ASUP stated that its decision to suspend its planned strike was based on “good faith” shown by the Ministry of Education and ongoing discussions toward resolving pending matters affecting polytechnic education.
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