The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has issued a four-week ultimatum to the Federal Government, demanding swift action to resolve the ongoing strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), which has left students across the country stranded and public universities in disarray.
Speaking at a press briefing on Monday in Abuja, NLC President Joe Ajaero criticized the government’s handling of the lingering industrial dispute with ASUU, warning that the labour movement would no longer remain passive if decisive steps were not taken within the specified timeframe.
“We will not fold our arms while public education collapses. If by the end of four weeks the government fails to address the key issues with ASUU, we will be forced to take nationwide action,” Ajaero said.
Government Accused of Neglect
The strike, which began as a warning action, is in response to the Federal Government’s failure to implement several agreements reached with the union, including commitments on improved university funding, earned academic allowances, and the reversal of the “no work, no pay” policy enforced during past strikes.
The NLC accused the government of demonstrating a lack of political will to prioritize education, despite multiple interventions by labour stakeholders and civil society groups.
Ajaero noted that the education sector had suffered from years of chronic underfunding, poor infrastructure, and delayed remuneration, warning that continued neglect would only worsen brain drain and cripple Nigeria’s future workforce.
ASUU’s Position
ASUU had resumed strike action weeks ago over what it described as deliberate sabotage by government officials in implementing signed agreements. The union insists that unless concrete action is taken on funding and welfare matters, the strike will continue indefinitely.
“This is not just about lecturers. It is about the survival of our universities and the right of Nigerian students to quality education,” an ASUU spokesperson said earlier this month.
Students Bear the Brunt
With campuses shut and academic calendars frozen, students in public universities have expressed frustration, calling for immediate resolution of the impasse. Many fear extended academic delays could derail their graduation timelines and career prospects.
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The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has also weighed in, urging both the government and ASUU to return to the negotiation table.
What Happens Next?
The NLC’s four-week ultimatum adds pressure on the Federal Government, which is already grappling with multiple labour-related challenges across various sectors. If the ultimatum expires without resolution, the NLC is expected to convene its National Executive Council (NEC) to approve broader industrial action that could paralyze the country’s public institutions.
As the deadline ticks, stakeholders are calling for meaningful dialogue and political commitment to end the strike and restore stability to Nigeria’s public university system.
