By Momodu Favour

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has issued a four-day ultimatum to the Federal Government, demanding the immediate implementation of the newly approved salary structure for university lecturers across the country.

ASUU President, Christopher Piwuna, gave the directive on Thursday while addressing union members at Sa’adu Zungur University, Yuli Campus, in Bauchi State. He warned that failure by the government to act within the stipulated timeframe would trigger decisive action by the union.

According to him, the countdown begins immediately, stressing that lecturers have endured prolonged delays and unfulfilled promises regarding their welfare.

“We have issued a four-day ultimatum from today to the Federal Government to commence payment of the newly approved salary structure. Failure to comply will attract a strong response from the union,” Piwuna said.

He expressed frustration over what he described as the Federal Government’s persistent failure to honour agreements reached with the union, noting that such breaches have historically led to industrial disputes and nationwide strikes in the university system.

Beyond the salary dispute, ASUU also raised concerns over plans to establish a Nigerian branch of Coventry University following President Bola Tinubu’s recent visit to London.

Piwuna said the union strongly opposes the move, arguing that allowing foreign universities to operate locally could undermine the development and competitiveness of Nigerian institutions. He described the proposal as a “new form of colonialism” within the education sector.

The ASUU president further claimed that the planned expansion comes at a time when the foreign institution is reportedly experiencing a decline in global admission applications, questioning the rationale behind its entry into Nigeria.

He urged the Federal Government to prioritise strengthening public universities by investing in infrastructure, improving staff welfare, and fostering collaboration with ASUU to build a more resilient and globally competitive education system.

The ultimatum raises fresh concerns over potential disruptions in Nigeria’s university calendar, as stakeholders await the government’s response within the four-day window.