ASUU Gears Up for Strike as Government Ignores Ultimatum

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has begun mobilising its members across public universities nationwide in anticipation of a possible nationwide warning strike.

This development comes just a week before the expiration of its 14-day ultimatum issued to the Federal Government on September 28, 2025.

In a circular signed by ASUU President, Professor Christopher Piwuna, and dated October 5, 2025, the union expressed disappointment over what it described as the government’s persistent silence and lack of seriousness in addressing the long-standing issues affecting the university system.

According to the circular sent to all ASUU branches, the National Executive Council (NEC), after an emergency meeting held on September 29, 2025, reviewed the outcome of a referendum conducted across campuses and decided to give the government a 14-day deadline.

The ultimatum, ASUU stated, was to push for the signing and implementation of the renegotiated agreement that had been with the government since February 2025.

Prof. Piwuna lamented that one week after communicating the union’s resolutions to the Ministers of Labour and Education, as well as the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), there had been no tangible response or action from the government.

“I regret to inform you that there is no meaningful development deserving of any consideration to be reported,” Piwuna stated.

He explained that the union’s current mobilisation aims to compel the government to fulfil its promises, especially the signing and execution of the renegotiated agreement and other unresolved demands.

As the ultimatum enters its final week, Piwuna commended members for their endurance and steadfastness during what he described as a protracted and exhausting negotiation process spanning over eight years.

He urged members to intensify mobilisation efforts on their respective campuses to maintain unity and preparedness for the next phase of action.

The ASUU President stressed that collective unity remains the union’s strongest weapon in its struggle to revitalise and reposition Nigeria’s universities for global competitiveness.

“The days ahead call for mobilisation of every member of our union to ensure unity of purpose. No one should be left out of the struggle to defend our welfare, stem the Japa syndrome, and reposition the Nigerian University System for global competitiveness,” the statement read.

ASUU also reminded members to follow instructions strictly from their branch chairpersons and zonal coordinators, and to attend congress meetings regularly for updates on subsequent developments.