The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) will commence a two-week warning strike on Monday, October 13, 2025, unless the Federal Government intervenes at the last minute.
The strike follows the expiration of a two-week ultimatum ASUU had given the government to meet long-standing demands related to funding, welfare, and the implementation of the 2009 ASUU-FGN Agreement.
As of Sunday night, the government had not made any official announcement regarding the union’s ultimatum.
ASUU has instructed its branches nationwide to mobilize and prepare for industrial action, with union meetings already held in universities including the University of Jos, Ahmadu Bello University, and the University of Abuja.
Last Wednesday, Minister of Education Dr. Tunji Alausa said negotiations with ASUU and other university unions were in their final phase.
He highlighted several key steps already taken by the Tinubu administration:
– ₦50 billion released for Earned Academic Allowances.
– ₦150 billion budgeted in 2025 for “Needs Assessment,” to be paid in three tranches.
– Backlog of promotion arrears and teaching/wage awards reportedly addressed, with remaining obligations planned to be cleared by 2026.
“They deserve to be paid well, but we can’t give everything at once. What matters is sincerity and commitment,” Alausa said, urging ASUU to remain patient.
He also noted that, for the first time, officials from the Ministry of Justice, including the Solicitor-General, are part of the negotiations to ensure enforceable agreements.
ASUU President, Prof. Chris Piwuna, criticized the Ministry of Education for delaying responses to critical issues.
“The ultimatum ends Sunday. If nothing substantial is offered, the strike begins,” Piwuna stated.
“If we get something meaningful, we’ll take it back to our members to decide the next step.”
Sources across federal universities confirmed that strike mobilization had already begun, with local ASUU chapters holding meetings and coordinating with other unions.
When contacted, spokesperson for the Ministry of Education, Folasade Boriowo, declined to comment.
