ASUU: Rumblings as University lecturers issue 14-day strike warning to Nigerian Government

*Prof. Christopher Piwuna, President, Academic Staff Union of Universities, says if the Federal Government of Nigeria fails to address certain unresolved issues with the Union within 14 days, ASUU may first, embark on a two-week warning strike and thereafter, an indefinite strike

Alexander Davis | ConsumerConnect

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) Monday, September 29, 2025, issued a 14-day ultimatum to the Federal Government of Nigeria to address lingering issues affecting the country’s University system, or face a strike.

ASUU’s ultimatum is contained in a communiqué issued at the end of its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held at Yakubu Gown University, formerly University of Abuja, in the FCT.

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Prof. Christopher Piwuna, President of ASUU, who made available the communiqué to reporters, said the ultimatum had become necessary in view of the alleged persistent neglect of the education sector, and welfare of University lecturers by both Federal and state governments.

The Academic Union stated: “If at the end of the 14 days’ ultimatum, the Federal Government fails to address these issues, the union may have no option than to, first, embark on a two-week warning strike and thereafter, an indefinite strike.”

Piwuna also recalled that ASUU had repeatedly raised concerns through media engagements, campus rallies and appeals over the past three months, without concrete response from government.

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The Union further listed the unresolved issues to include, renegotiation of the 2009 ASUU-FGN Agreement, sustainable funding, revitalisation of public universities, and non-payment of outstanding 25–35 percent salary arrears.

The President of ASUU listed other unresolved issues to include promotion arrears spanning over four years, non-remittance of third-party deductions, and alleged victimisation of members at the Lagos State University (LASU), KSU and Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO).

The Union, in the statement, urged Nigerians, including religious and traditional leaders, parents, students and other stakeholders, to prevail on Federal  Government to act immediately in order to avoid an imminent strike.

Prof. Piwuna said: “The 14-day ultimatum is an alarm to the Nigerian Government.

“We believe the government has the capacity and financial strength to fix Nigerian universities once and for all.

“As they say, a stitch in time saves nine.”