The Academic Staff Union of Universities has issued a 14 day ultimatum to the Federal Government to address longstanding demands affecting Nigeria’s university system or face a nationwide strike.
This decision was made at the union’s National Executive Council meeting held on September 28, 2025, at the Yakubu Gown University, formerly University of Abuja.
ASUU President, Prof. Christopher Piwuna, stated that the ultimatum became necessary due to the persistent neglect of the education sector and the welfare of university lecturers by both Federal and State governments. “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,” he said.
The union’s demands include renegotiation of the 2009 ASUU FGN Agreement, sustainable funding, revitalization of public universities, and payment of outstanding 25 to 35% salary arrears. Other issues are unresolved promotion arrears spanning over four years, non remittance of third party deductions, and alleged victimization of members at Lagos State University, Prince Abubakar Audu University, and Federal University of Technology, Owerri.
Piwuna recalled that ASUU had repeatedly raised concerns through media engagements, campus rallies, and appeals over the past three months without concrete response from the government. He urged Nigerians to prevail on the government to act swiftly to avert the looming strike.
The union believes the government has the capacity and financial strength to fix Nigerian universities once and for all. “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,” Piwuna said.
ASUU’s threat of a nationwide strike has raised concerns about the potential impact on the academic calendar. The union’s NEC meeting resolved to take drastic action if the government fails to meet its demands.
The Federal Government has been urged to address these issues within the 14 day ultimatum to avoid a nationwide strike that could disrupt academic activities in public universities.
