The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has declared a two-week warning strike beginning Monday, October 13, 2025, to protest the federal government’s continued neglect of its longstanding demands.
ASUU President, Prof. Chris Piwuna, announced the decision during an emergency press briefing on Sunday in Abuja, saying the strike would be “total and comprehensive.” He said the action followed the expiration of the 14-day ultimatum issued by the union on September 28, 2025.
Prof. Piwuna explained that the strike was necessitated by the government’s persistent refusal to honor agreements and address critical issues affecting Nigeria’s universities.
“It is regrettable to note that nothing significant has been achieved since our last briefing on the eight issues in dispute,” he said.
According to him, the unresolved issues include the conclusion and signing of the renegotiated 2009 FGN–ASUU Agreement, payment of withheld three-and-a-half months’ salaries, sustainable funding and revitalization of public universities, and an end to the victimization of lecturers in LASU, KSU (now Prince Abubakar Audu University), and FUTO.
Others are the settlement of outstanding 25–35% salary arrears, payment of promotion arrears spanning over four years, and release of withheld third-party deductions such as cooperative contributions and union dues.
Prof. Piwuna revealed that despite repeated appeals and assurances from government officials, including a letter from the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education dated September 30, 2025, no tangible progress had been made.
He also described the outcome of the October 10 meeting of the FGN/ASUU 2009 Agreement Renegotiation Committee as disappointing, criticizing the government’s documents as “provocative and inconsistent” with previous drafts.
“The hurriedly prepared documents were a total departure from the spirit of the Nimi Briggs-led renegotiated agreement and are incapable of easing industrial tension on campuses,” Piwuna stated.
Accusing the government of insincerity and employing delay tactics, ASUU expressed frustration that months of negotiation had produced no meaningful results.
“It would be a betrayal of our historic responsibility to continue accepting government deception and manipulation,” Piwuna declared. “What is needed is a fundamental transformation of our university system, not token promises.”
He appealed for understanding from students, parents, and the public, stressing that ASUU’s struggle was aimed at rescuing Nigeria’s public universities from collapse.
“We call on patriotic Nigerians, workers, media professionals, and civil society groups to support ASUU’s mission to restore quality education,” he said.
The union’s National Executive Council (NEC) has directed all branches nationwide to withdraw their services effective 12:01 a.m. on Monday, October 13, 2025.
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