The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) commenced a two-week warning strike on Monday, October 13, following the expiration of its 14-day ultimatum issued to the Federal Government on September 28.
The decision was announced by the National President of ASUU, Prof. Chris Piwuna, at a press briefing held at the University of Abuja on Sunday.
Prof. Piwuna directed all ASUU branches to "withdraw their services with effect from midnight on Monday, the 13th October, 2025."
The strike is designated as "total and comprehensive."
Reason for Rejection and Strike
ASUU's leadership rejected a proposal presented by the federal government during a meeting on Friday, stating that the offer was a "total departure from the letter and spirit" of the reviewed draft of the 2009 FGN-ASUU Agreement.
Piwuna described the government's documents as "provocative" and incapable of dousing industrial tensions.
ASUU is demanding that the government address several issues, including:
- Conclusion of the renegotiated 2009 FGN-ASUU agreement.
- Release of withheld three and a half months' salaries.
- Sustainable funding and revitalization of public universities.
- Cessation of victimisation of lecturers at Lagos State University, Prince Abubakar Audu University (formerly Kogi State University), and Federal University of Technology, Owerri.
- Payment of outstanding 25-35% salary arrears and promotion arrears spanning over four years.
- Release of withheld third-party deductions (cooperative contributions, union check-off dues).
Government's Position
The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, had previously disclosed that the government was in the final phase of talks to resolve lingering disputes over welfare and funding.
The Minister of Education and the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Ahmad, issued a joint statement urging ASUU to reconsider the strike and embrace dialogue.
The federal government further threatened to invoke the "no-work-no-pay" policy should the academic activities in the nation’s universities be disrupted. The government claimed it had made a "comprehensive offer" to the union and was awaiting an official response.
NANS' Response
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), through Assistant General Secretary Adejuwon Emmanuel, has appealed to both parties to resume negotiations and avoid further disruptions to the academic calendar.
NANS acknowledged ASUU's concerns but urged the union to use forms of engagement that would not jeopardize students' education.
