Barring any last-minute intervention, the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) will on Monday, October 13, 2025, embark on a two-week nationwide warning strike to demand the implementation of its long-pending agreements with the Federal Government.
The decision was conveyed in a circular titled “Strike Bulletin One”, issued to all branches of the union on Monday in Abuja. The planned industrial action follows a 14-day ultimatum earlier given to the government to address unresolved issues, including the signing and implementation of the renegotiated 2009 ASUU-Federal Government Agreement.
ASUU’s National President, Prof. Chris Piwuna, said the strike became inevitable after the government failed to respond to the union’s concerns despite several engagements.
“The National Executive Council, at its emergency meeting on September 28, 2025, after reviewing referendum outcomes from branches, resolved to issue a 14-day ultimatum to the Federal Government to act on the renegotiated document transmitted since February 2025,” Piwuna stated.
Also Read: Nigeria Seeks $2bn China Loan to Build Super Grid, Boost Power Supply
He explained that the government’s continued inaction compelled the union to proceed with the warning strike, adding that relevant ministries and labour bodies had been duly notified.
“As we enter the second and final week of the ultimatum, I appreciate our members for their patience during this long and difficult negotiation that has dragged on for more than eight years,” the ASUU president said. “This action is intended to compel the government to sign and implement the renegotiated agreement, among other unresolved issues.”
Piwuna urged members across the country to remain steadfast and united, emphasizing that the struggle goes beyond improved welfare to ensuring that Nigeria’s public universities attain global standards.
ASUU has, over the years, clashed with the Federal Government over unmet commitments on funding for university revitalization, earned academic allowances, and improved working conditions. The union’s latest decision signals renewed tensions in the nation’s tertiary education sector as the October 13 strike date approaches.
