The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has commenced a two-week warning strike starting Monday, October 13, 2025, citing the Federal Government’s failure to address critical issues affecting the nation’s university system.
The union had previously issued a 14-day ultimatum to the government, which it says went unheeded.
Prof. Chris Piwuna, ASUU National President, announced the industrial action in Abuja, stressing that the government’s inaction left the union with no choice but to proceed. “We have been patient, but the issues we raised remain unresolved,” he stated, highlighting the union’s frustration over ongoing delays.
Among ASUU’s key demands are the finalization and signing of the renegotiated 2009 Federal Government-ASUU Agreement, payment of withheld salaries spanning over three months, sustainable funding for universities, and the resolution of victimization cases involving lecturers at Lagos State University, Prince Abubakar Audu University, and the Federal University of Technology, Owerri. The union also seeks settlement of outstanding salary arrears, payment of promotion arrears, and release of withheld third-party deductions, including cooperative contributions and union dues.
Despite multiple engagements and reassurances from government officials, including a letter dated September 30, 2025, from the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Education, ASUU criticized the government’s latest proposals as “provocative and inconsistent,” describing them as diverging from the spirit of the Nimi Briggs-led renegotiated agreement.
The Federal Government has warned ASUU against actions that could disrupt the academic calendar. The Ministry of Education reaffirmed its commitment to reforms aimed at improving teaching and research conditions, strengthening institutional autonomy, and promoting innovation. Officials appealed for the union to reconsider and return to the negotiation table in the interest of students and the nation’s education system.
Other academic unions have distanced themselves from the strike. The Congress of University Academics (CONUA) confirmed it is not participating, with its National President, Dr. Niyi Sunmonu, emphasizing a commitment to a stable academic calendar. Meanwhile, the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has expressed concern and urged a swift resolution to prevent further disruption to students’ education.
