The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) is set to begin a two-week warning strike on Monday if the Federal Government fails to meet its demands before the expiration of its ultimatum later today.
The union’s two-week ultimatum, issued to compel the government to address outstanding issues affecting lecturers, expires Sunday night. However, no official response has been issued by the government, raising the likelihood of a fresh disruption in academic activities across universities.
ASUU President, Prof. Chris Piwuna, confirmed that preparations for the strike were ongoing in several university branches. “Their ultimatum expires on Sunday, and after that, there will be a warning strike unless something substantial comes from the government,” he said.
The latest standoff between ASUU and the government stems from unresolved matters relating to welfare, funding, and the implementation of the 2009 ASUU–FGN Agreement.
Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, stated in Abuja that the government had made progress in addressing the union’s concerns. He revealed that ₦50bn had been released for Earned Academic Allowances, while another ₦150bn was included in the 2025 budget for needs assessment, to be disbursed in three tranches.
“They deserve to be paid well, and our academic and non-academic staff deserve improved welfare,” Alausa said. “What matters is our sincerity and commitment to substantial improvements in their conditions.”
He explained that promotion arrears and wage awards had been cleared, while other pending allowances would be paid by 2026.
Alausa appealed for patience, urging ASUU to prioritise dialogue over industrial action. He also disclosed that, for the first time, officials of the Ministry of Justice were directly involved in negotiations to ensure enforceable agreements.
Meanwhile, sources across universities, including the University of Jos, Ahmadu Bello University, and University of Abuja, confirmed that mobilisation for the strike has intensified.
When contacted, the spokesperson of the Ministry of Education, Folasade Boriowo, declined to comment.
