ASUU Issues Two-Week Ultimatum to Tinubu Government, Threatens Fresh Strike Over Unresolved University Issues
ASUU Issues Two-Week Ultimatum to Tinubu Government, Threatens Fresh Strike Over Unresolved University Issues
Tension is once again rising across Nigerian universities as the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has issued a two-week ultimatum to President Bola Tinubu’s administration to address long-standing issues affecting the nation’s tertiary education system—or face an imminent strike.
In a circular titled “Strike Bulletin No. 1,” dated October 5, 2025, and signed by ASUU President, Professor Christopher Piwuna, the union’s National Executive Council (NEC) said the decision followed a referendum conducted across its various branches.
According to the circular, “The National Executive Council (NEC) of our Union, at its emergency meeting of 29th September, 2025, after evaluating the results of the referendum held across our branches, resolved to give the government a fourteen-day ultimatum to address the issues outlined in the negotiated document transmitted to it since February 2025.”
The document, obtained by SaharaReporters, warned that failure by the government to meet ASUU’s demands within the stipulated time would lead to a two-week warning strike.
“It was further resolved that the union will embark on a two-week warning strike at the expiration of the ultimatum if the government fails to take satisfactory steps to resolve the lingering issues,” the statement read.
ASUU expressed frustration over what it described as the government’s lack of meaningful response, despite notifying the Ministers of Labour and Education, as well as the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), about its resolutions.
The union accused the Tinubu administration of dragging its feet on critical commitments, including the renegotiation of the 2009 FGN-ASUU Agreement, revitalization of public universities, payment of earned academic allowances, and other welfare-related issues.
ASUU also lamented that the negotiation process has stretched for over eight years without tangible progress.
“As we enter the second and final week of the ultimatum, I thank you on behalf of NEC for your patience and understanding throughout this tortuous negotiation that has unjustifiably lasted more than eight years,” Professor Piwuna stated.
The union maintained that its current action seeks to compel the government to sign and implement the renegotiated agreement and tackle the brain drain (“Japa syndrome”) that continues to deplete Nigeria’s universities of qualified lecturers.
“The goal of our current action remains to compel the government to sign and implement the renegotiated agreement document, among other demands,” ASUU said.
Professor Piwuna called on members across all branches to stay united and mobilized, stressing that the coming days are crucial for the future of Nigeria’s higher education system.
“The days ahead call for mobilization and unity of purpose. No one should be left out of the struggle to protect our welfare, curb the Japa syndrome, and reposition the Nigerian University System for global competitiveness,” he urged.
Reinforcing the union’s commitment to solidarity and internal discipline, ASUU reminded members to rely solely on official communication channels.
“We are strong when we organize but weakened when we agonize! Our Union has always acted in solidarity as a collective, and this will not be different. Members are to take instructions only from their Chairpersons and attend Congress meetings for updates,” the statement concluded.
ASUU has long been in dispute with successive Nigerian governments over unfulfilled agreements dating back to 2009. Its persistent demands include the release of revitalization funds, payment of earned allowances, replacement of IPPIS with UTAS, and improved funding for research and infrastructure—most of which remain unimplemented despite multiple negotiations and promises.
