Aside any last-minute intervention, members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) are set to embark on a two-week warning strike beginning Monday
The move follows the expiration of a two-week ultimatum issued to the Federal Government to meet the union’s long-standing demands. As of Sunday night, the government had not made any official statement addressing the looming industrial action.
ASUU had earlier instructed its chapters nationwide to prepare for the strike, signaling growing frustration despite ongoing talks between the lecturers and the Federal Government.
The latest standoff comes amid renewed negotiations aimed at resolving persistent issues related to welfare, funding, and the implementation of the 2009 ASUU-FGN Agreement.
Speaking last Wednesday in Abuja, the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, said the government was in the final stage of talks with ASUU and other university unions. He disclosed that N50 billion had been released for Earned Academic Allowances, while another N150 billion had been included in the 2025 budget for needs assessment — to be paid in three tranches.
“They deserve to be paid well, and our academic and non-academic staff deserve improved welfare,” Alausa said. “But we can’t give everything at once. What matters is our sincerity and commitment to substantial improvements in their conditions.”
He added that promotion arrears and other outstanding allowances had been addressed, while remaining obligations would be cleared by 2026. The minister appealed to the unions to embrace dialogue rather than strike action, assuring them of the administration’s sincerity.
“For the first time,” Alausa noted, “the Solicitor-General of the Federation and officials from the Ministry of Justice are directly involved in the negotiations to ensure the agreements are legally binding and enforceable.”
However, ASUU president, Prof. Chris Piwuna, accused the Ministry of Education of delaying action on key issues.
“The ultimatum expires on Sunday, and after that, there will be a warning strike unless something substantial comes out from the government,” he said. “We expect a meaningful response within the next 48 hours; otherwise, we’ll consult our members on the next step.”
Sources across several federal universities, including the University of Jos, Ahmadu Bello University, and the University of Abuja, confirmed that preparations for the strike were already underway.
At the University of Jos, ASUU leaders reportedly met with other union executives to rally support for the planned action.
When contacted, Folasade Boriowo, spokesperson for the Ministry of Education, declined to comment on the development.
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