TENSION RISES IN UNIVERSITIES as LECTURERS MOBILISE FOR NATIONWIDE STRIKE OVER FG’s SILENCE ON DEMANDS

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has begun mobilizing its members nationwide for a possible strike, following the federal government’s silence on its long-standing demands.

This move comes just a week before the expiration of the union’s 14-day ultimatum to the government, which was issued on September 28, 2025.

In a circular signed by ASUU president, Prof. Christopher Piwuna, and dated October 5, 2025, the union expressed disappointment that the government has shown no serious commitment to addressing key issues affecting Nigerian universities.

ASUU explained that its National Executive Council (NEC) held an emergency meeting on September 29, 2025, where members reviewed reports from various branches and resolved to issue the 14-day ultimatum. The union said the move was to push the government to sign and implement the renegotiated agreement submitted since February 2025.

Prof. Piwuna lamented that despite informing the Ministers of Labour, Education, and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the government had made no meaningful response.

“I regret to inform you that there is no meaningful development deserving of any consideration to be reported,” he said. He added that the mobilisation was to ensure unity and readiness among members if the government continues to ignore their demands, especially those concerning university funding, staff welfare, and earned allowances.

As the ultimatum enters its final week, ASUU urged its members to remain united, attend congress meetings, and take instructions only from their branch and zonal leaders.

“No one should be left out of the struggle to defend our welfare and reposition the Nigerian university system for global competitiveness,” Piwuna said.

ASUU’s move raises concerns that another round of strike action could soon disrupt academic activities in universities across.