Negotiations between the Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) have ended without agreement, with ASUU declaring a fresh strike and the Congress of University Academics (CONUA) distancing itself from the conflict.
At the heart of the impasse is ASUU’s dissatisfaction over what it says are unfulfilled promises by the government.
ASUU President, Prof. Christopher Piwuna, announced the start of a two‑week “total strike,” effective from 12:01 am Monday, October 13, citing persistent neglect of their seven‑point demands.
The Ministers of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa and his State counterpart, Prof. Suwaiba Sai’d Ahmad, counter that a “comprehensive offer” has already been made to the union.
According to their statement, the government’s proposal addresses key issues such as staff welfare, institutional governance, and conditions of service.
Among the reforms is an enhanced teaching allowance intended to better remunerate lecturers.
Yet, ASUU insists the offer falls short, and that meaningful engagement has been lacking. The union claims the government is merely engaging in delay tactics.
Amid the flare-up, CONUA, another national body of university academics, declared it has not joined the strike.
Its President, Niyi Sunmonu, stressed there is no basis for industrial action on its part, especially given ongoing dialogue and the negotiations via the Yayale Ahmed Renegotiation Committee.
Sunmonu said CONUA members were not part of the ASUU strike decision and remain committed to institutional engagement rather than disruption.
In its statement, the Federal Government reaffirmed that the “No Work, No Pay” clause in Nigerian labor law remains valid.
The ministers warned that any prolonged disruption would force the government to enforce this policy to maintain accountability and protect the academic calendar.
The government also reiterated its respect for university autonomy, noting that issues such as promotions, internal governance, and appointments rest with each institution’s governing council, not the federal authorities.
This strike would mark ASUU’s 18th since 1999, and underscores the recurring tension between lecturers and government over funding, working conditions, infrastructure deficits, and the implementation of past agreements.
Sources suggest that the breakdown in talks may stem from communication failures, or withdrawal by ASUU, rather than a lack of regulatory will from the government.
One government insider claimed that the negotiating panel, led in the absence of Dr. Yayale Ahmed by Senator Lekan Tejuoso, was ready to convene a face‑to‑face meeting, but that ASUU allegedly declined.
If true, this move is being interpreted by government officials as a deliberate sabotage of the negotiation process.
With the strike underway, universities face interruptions in academic schedules.
Observers now watch whether ASUU will reconsider and return to the negotiating table, or dig in its heels.
Meanwhile, CONUA’s decision to remain apart adds a layer of complexity, raising the possibility of competing narratives in the academic labor landscape.
