Nigeria’s Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) will begin a two-week warning strike on Monday, unless the Federal Government delivers a swift response to long-standing demands. The strike follows the expiration of a 14-day ultimatum that ended Sunday night.
The standoff comes as negotiations with the government continue over issues including welfare improvements, funding gaps, and implementation of the long-unfulfilled 2009 ASUU-FGN agreement. The action goes to show the growing frustration within academic section of the country, showing repeated delays and unmet promises. University lecturers have repeatedly complained of poor remuneration, arrears, and inadequate working conditions.
In Abuja on Wednesday, Education Minister Dr. Tunji Alausa said the government had entered the “final phase” of talks with ASUU and allied unions. He disclosed that ₦50 billion has already been allocated for Earned Academic Allowances, while an additional ₦150 billion is included in the 2025 budget for needs assessment, to be disbursed in three tranches.
“The lecturers deserve to be paid well … but we can’t give everything at once,” Alausa said, adding that promotion arrears, teaching allowances, and wage award obligations were being addressed and should be cleared by 2026. The minister further noted that the Solicitor-General and the Ministry of Justice are participating directly to ensure any agreement is legally enforceable.
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ASUU President Prof. Chris Piwuna criticised the Education Ministry for it’s continuous delays in addressing critical issues affecting university lecturers. He warned that unless the government presented “something substantial” within 48 hours, the union would activate its warning strike.h ”Their ultimatum expires on Sunday … there will be a warning strike unless something substantial comes out from the government,” Piwuna said.
In many federal universities—such as the University of Jos, Ahmadu Bello University, and University of Abuja—mobilisation efforts have already begun. At the University of Jos, ASUU leadership held meetings with campus union leaders to rally support. When reached for comment about recent developments, the Ministry of Education’s spokesperson, Folasade Boriowo, declined to respond.
If lecturers go on strike, academic schedules will be disrupted as exams will be delayed, and university operations affected. And if the warning strike doesn’t work, ASUU may escalate action beyond it.