The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) is mobilizing its members for a two-week nationwide warning strike, which is set to begin on Monday, October 13, 2025.
Reasons for the Strike
The planned industrial action is a result of the Federal Government’s failure to address a number of long-standing issues. These include:
- Non-Implementation of the 2009 Agreement: The primary demand is the signing and implementation of the renegotiated 2009 ASUU-FGN Agreement. This agreement addresses key issues such as improved funding for universities, better staff welfare, academic autonomy, and the revitalization of decaying infrastructure.
- Government’s Inaction: ASUU’s National President, Prof. Chris Piwuna, expressed disappointment that the government has not provided a “meaningful response” to the union’s demands, despite having been given a 14-day ultimatum.
- Other Outstanding Demands: The union’s grievances also include the payment of outstanding salary arrears, the resolution of promotion arrears, and the settlement of issues related to third-party deductions.
Government’s Response
In an effort to avert the strike, the Federal Government has reconstituted an expanded negotiation committee, chaired by former Head of Service, Mahmud Yayale Ahmed. The committee’s goal is to engage with all academic and non-academic unions to find a comprehensive and sustainable solution. The Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, stated that President Bola Tinubu has given his full support to the process and has mandated that negotiations be concluded swiftly and fairly. The committee’s inaugural meeting was scheduled for Tuesday, October 7.
Despite this development, ASUU has continued its mobilization efforts, stating that it will proceed with the warning strike if the government fails to take “acceptable and satisfactory steps” to address the lingering issues at the expiration of the ultimatum.
