The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has formally rejected the Federal Government’s latest proposals and commenced a two-week warning strike effective today.

ASUU’s National President, Professor Chris Piwuna, announced the move, citing the government’s failure to address key demands despite an earlier ultimatum.

Key Issues Behind the Strike

Among the unresolved demands are the renegotiation and signing of the 2009 FG-ASUU agreement, payment of withheld salaries (3½ months), revitalisation of public universities, and an end to the victimisation of lecturers in certain institutions.

ASUU described the government’s counterproposals as “provocative and inconsistent” with earlier drafts, saying they lacked substance and failed to meet the union’s minimum demands.

What This Means

All branches of ASUU have been directed to withdraw services nationwide starting from midnight today.

If progress is not made, the union indicates a possible shift from a warning strike to a comprehensive shutdown across federal universities.

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Controversially, the Congress of University Academics (CONUA) has opted not to participate, citing no grounds for a dispute in their view.

Stakes & Implications

* Students risk losing academic session time already under threat from earlier disruptions.
* Public universities, already under strain, may see further damage to reputation and infrastructure if the impasse continues.
* The government’s “no work, no pay” doctrine may be invoked, heightening financial pressure on academic staff.