The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has declared an indefinite nationwide strike, citing unresolved issues with the Federal Government, including unpaid salaries, earned academic allowances, and non-implementation of previous agreements.
The announcement came after emergency meetings held across various ASUU chapters, with the national leadership authorizing the industrial action following what it described as government inaction and insincerity.
Lecturers Demand Immediate Action
In a statement issued on Saturday, ASUU said the strike became inevitable due to the continued neglect of the union’s demands, including the non-payment of salaries for several months, delays in disbursing earned academic allowances, and the failure to address long-standing agreements reached in previous negotiations.
ASUU accused the government of failing to act in good faith, despite multiple warnings and ultimata issued over the past few months.
“Our members have been pushed to the wall. We have exercised patience, we have engaged, but the federal government has continued to ignore its responsibilities,” a senior ASUU official said.
Disruption Looms Across Campuses
The strike is expected to paralyze academic activities in federal and state universities across the country. Several institutions, including the University of Abuja and University of Jos, have already complied with the directive.
Students in affected universities face uncertainty over their academic calendars, with many concerned that the disruption could extend semesters and delay graduation.
Campus-based union officials have also activated strike enforcement committees to ensure full compliance across all faculties.
Government’s Response
In response to ASUU’s decision, the Federal Ministry of Education said it is working to resolve the crisis.
The Minister of Education, Dr. Yusuf Sununu, noted that the government had released part of the funds earmarked for academic allowances and pledged further engagement with the union.
According to him, the 2025 national budget includes provisions for university revitalisation, with N150 billion allocated for infrastructure upgrades and N50 billion for earned allowances.
Despite these assurances, ASUU maintains that promises without concrete timelines and implementation are no longer acceptable.
Before Now
ASUU has engaged in multiple strikes over the last decade, primarily over funding, salary structure, and autonomy of universities.
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While several memoranda of understanding have been signed between the union and the government, many remain unimplemented.
The latest development adds to concerns about the stability of Nigeria’s tertiary education system, which has suffered repeated disruptions due to industrial disputes.
What Happens Next
The union has called on the federal government to take immediate action to prevent a prolonged shutdown. ASUU demands include:
* Full payment of outstanding salaries and allowances;
* Implementation of past agreements and commitments;
* Improved university funding and infrastructure;
* Rejection of the IPPIS payment platform in favor of ASUU’s preferred model, UTAS.
As the strike begins, all eyes remain on the government’s next move in what may become another long standoff between both parties.
