The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) on Monday commenced a two-week warning strike, accusing the Federal Government of deceit, insincerity, and failure to honour existing agreements aimed at revitalising Nigeria’s public university system.
In a bulletin signed by its President, Dr. Christopher Piwuna, the union said the decision followed the expiration of a 14-day ultimatum issued on September 28, 2025, warning that the strike had become “inevitable” due to the government’s continued disregard for the welfare of university lecturers.
Dr. Piwuna said the government’s negotiation team presented ASUU with what he described as “a fake and completely strange document,” during their meeting with the Federal Government Renegotiation Team led by Alhaji Yayale Ahmed on October 10.
“The document handed to us was totally alien to the issues discussed at plenary, particularly the item on conditions of service,” he said. “Our union has always demonstrated patience with the government. We have waited for 12 years — 4,380 days!”
According to him, the latest strike is intended to compel the government to address key unresolved issues, including the conclusion of the renegotiated 2009 FGN/ASUU Agreement based on the Nimi Briggs Committee’s draft of 2021, payment of withheld three-and-half months’ salaries, funding for revitalization of public universities, and the alleged victimization of academics at Kogi State University (KSU) and Lagos State University (LASU).
The union directed all its members across campuses to suspend every academic and administrative activity during the warning strike.
“No classes, no participation in any accreditation exercise, no conferences, and all official meetings are suspended,” the bulletin stated.
Dr. Piwuna warned that any breach of the directive would attract severe sanctions, urging branch chairpersons to ensure full compliance while maintaining regular engagement with student leaders and vice chancellors.
He also expressed dismay over the continued non-payment of salaries for lecturers on sabbatical and part-time appointments, as well as outstanding cooperative and pension deductions, describing the situation as a deliberate act of neglect.
“This strike is not just about money,” he said. “It’s about dignity, respect, and the survival of public university education in Nigeria.”
ASUU last embarked on an eight-month nationwide strike in 2022, which grounded academic activities across public universities.
The bulletin ended with a call for unity among members: “The National Strike Coordinating Committee urges all members to remain steadfast and resolute. United we bargain; divided we beg. Solidarity forever.”