BREAKING: ASUU Sets Date to Begin Strike as Ultimatum to FG Expires

ASUU has announced plans to begin a two-week warning strike on Monday after its ultimatum to the Federal Government expired, citing unresolved issues on welfare and unpaid allowances.

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) is set to begin a two-week warning strike starting Monday, following the expiration of its two-week ultimatum to the Federal Government to meet its outstanding demands.

Despite the deadline ending Sunday night, the government has yet to issue any official statement addressing the union’s concerns.

Reliable sources within the union told reporters that ASUU branches nationwide have been instructed to mobilize for immediate action, signaling a likely shutdown of public universities if the situation remains unresolved.

Background to the Impasse

The current tension between university lecturers and the Federal Government comes amid ongoing efforts to avert another disruption in Nigeria’s higher education system.

Earlier in the week, Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, revealed that the government had reached the final round of negotiations with ASUU and other university unions to settle long-standing issues related to welfare, funding, and the implementation of the 2009 ASUU–FG agreement.

According to Alausa, the Tinubu administration has already taken significant steps, including the release of ₦50 billion for Earned Academic Allowances (EAA) and the inclusion of ₦150 billion in the 2025 budget for needs assessment projects, to be disbursed in three tranches.

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“They (lecturers) deserve to be paid well, and our academic and non-academic staff deserve improved welfare,” Alausa said in Abuja. “But we can’t give everything at once. What matters is our sincerity and commitment to substantial improvements in their conditions.”

He added that promotion arrears, teaching allowances, and wage awards had already been addressed, with remaining obligations expected to be cleared by 2026.

Alausa appealed to the unions to embrace dialogue rather than resort to strike actions, stressing that the government is committed to sustainable peace in the education sector.

ASUU Reacts: ‘We’re Tired of Empty Promises’

However, ASUU President, Prof. Chris Piwuna, accused the Ministry of Education of consistently delaying action on key issues affecting university academics.

Speaking late Saturday, Piwuna confirmed that unless the Federal Government presents a “substantial offer” within the next 48 hours, the union would have no choice but to proceed with its planned strike.

“The ultimatum expires on Sunday,” he said. “After that, there will be a warning strike unless something substantial comes out from the government. We will then consult our members to decide the next steps.”

Uncertain Days Ahead for Students

With the warning strike expected to commence on Monday, many students across Nigeria’s public universities are bracing for yet another academic disruption, barely a year after the last prolonged shutdown ended.

The outcome of the next 48 hours may determine whether the government can avert a nationwide university closure or face renewed tensions in the already fragile education sector.