The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) is poised to commence a two-week warning strike on Monday, following the expiration of its ultimatum to the Federal Government to address lingering issues affecting the nation’s universities.
The planned industrial action, according to insiders, comes amid growing frustration among lecturers who believe the government has failed to honour previous agreements and fulfil its promises.
ASUU’s ultimatum, which elapsed on Sunday, was meant to pressure the government into implementing key aspects of the 2009 ASUU–FGN Agreement and addressing welfare-related concerns. However, with no tangible commitment from the authorities as the deadline drew to a close, the union now appears set to embark on another round of industrial action.
The union’s president, Prof. Chris Piwuna, said on Sunday that members had grown weary of what he described as the Federal Government’s “habitual delay and insincerity” in resolving long-standing issues affecting university lecturers.
“Their ultimatum expires on Sunday, and after that, there will be a warning strike unless something substantial comes out from the government,” Piwuna stated. “If we receive any meaningful response within the next 48 hours, we will consult our members before taking the final decision.”
Despite the union’s position, the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, maintained that the Bola Tinubu administration was committed to addressing the root causes of ASUU’s grievances. He disclosed that the Federal Government had already released N50 billion for Earned Academic Allowances (EAA), while another N150 billion had been captured in the 2025 budget for needs assessment—set to be disbursed in three tranches.
Alausa emphasised that while government recognised the importance of improving lecturers’ welfare, it was taking a phased approach to ensure fiscal sustainability. “They deserve to be paid well, and our academic and non-academic staff deserve improved welfare. But we can’t give everything at once,” he explained.
