The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has announced that it is making progress in negotiations with the Federal Government’s Renegotiation Team led by Yayale Ahmed, as its ongoing two-week warning strike enters the seventh day.
According to a bulletin dated October 19, 2025, obtained by The Guardian, ASUU President, Prof. Christopher Piwuna, confirmed that progress had been recorded on five of the union’s seven major demands.
The areas showing improvement include the release of third-party deductions, payment of promotion arrears, mainstreaming of Earned Academic Allowance (EAA), resolution of land confiscation issues at the University of Abuja (UNIABUJA), and addressing the victimisation of members in Prince Abubakar Audu University, Lagos State University (LASU), and the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO).
In the bulletin titled “Strike Bulletin No. 2,” ASUU acknowledged ongoing mediation by notable Nigerians, noting that talks were continuing on all aspects of the draft renegotiated 2009 FGN-ASUU Agreement, guided by Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) principles.
“We commend the resilience and courage of our members in various branches, but we should remain united and steadfast in the days ahead,” Piwuna stated.
“The branch chairperson remains the only reliable source of information at all times; members are advised to attend branch congress meetings promptly.”
The ASUU president reaffirmed that members were fully implementing the National Executive Council (NEC) resolution of September 28, 2025, which authorised the current warning strike.
Ministry Denies Sponsorship Claim for Maths Prodigy
In a separate development, the Federal Ministry of Education has denied receiving any sponsorship request for 15-year-old Agbo Adoga, a student of Graceland International School, Port Harcourt, who reportedly qualified to represent Nigeria at the International Mathematics Olympiad in China.
The ministry’s denial follows public backlash after Alex Onyia, CEO of Educare, accused officials of declining to fund the student’s participation due to lack of funds.
Reacting via X (formerly Twitter), Onyia (@winexviv) wrote:
“Graceland International School, Port Harcourt, just informed me that Adoga qualified to represent Nigeria in the International Maths Olympiad in China. But the Ministry of Education officials said they don’t have money to sponsor anybody. So he will not attend. Nigeria lost again!”
The post triggered widespread outrage online, with Nigerians criticising what they called the government’s failure to support outstanding young talents.
However, in a swift response, the ministry, through its spokesperson Folasade Boriowo, denied any knowledge of such a sponsorship request.
“The ministry affirms that there is no record or correspondence in its files indicating any such request for sponsorship from any recognised body,” Boriowo stated.
“Accordingly, any relevant or verifiable information regarding this matter should be formally presented to the ministry for necessary action.”
She added that the public should disregard unverified claims and rely on official communication channels for clarification.
“The Federal Ministry of Education remains committed to encouraging and supporting outstanding students through due process and transparent procedures,” she added.
