Government Silence Deepens ASUU Tensions as Varsity Lecturers Set October 13 Strike
The Federal Government’s failure to act on key agreements has set the stage for a nationwide two-week warning strike by university lecturers beginning Monday, October 13, 2025.
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) confirmed the planned industrial action in a memo to its branches, warning that the union could no longer ignore years of unfulfilled promises on funding, salaries, and university autonomy.
The document, titled “Strike Bulletin One” and signed by ASUU President, Prof. Chris Piwuna, said the decision followed the expiration of a 14-day ultimatum issued to the government last month.
According to the union, the Federal Government has yet to respond to its demand for the signing and implementation of the renegotiated 2009 ASUU–FGN Agreement, despite repeated reminders.
“The National Executive Council of our union, at its emergency meeting of September 28, 2025, having evaluated the results of the referendum held across branches, resolved to give government a 14-day ultimatum to resolve the issues contained in the negotiated document transmitted to government since February 2025,” Piwuna stated.
ASUU said it had duly informed the Ministers of Labour and Education as well as the Nigeria Labour Congress of the ultimatum, but received “no meaningful development deserving any consideration.”
The union accused the government of stalling on several fronts, including unpaid 25–35 per cent salary arrears, unresolved promotion backlogs, and delayed third-party remittances. It also cited the continued victimisation of lecturers in some federal universities.
Prof. Piwuna described the ongoing negotiation process as “tortuous,” expressing appreciation for members’ patience and unity. “The goal of our current action remains principally to compel the government to sign and implement the renegotiated agreement document, among other demands,” he said.
He urged members to remain organised, adding, “We are strong when we organise, but weakened when we agonise.”
The National Executive Council’s meeting, held at the University of Abuja, also reaffirmed ASUU’s position on revitalising universities through sustainable funding.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Education’s spokesperson, Folasade Boriowo, told reporters that updates on the government’s position would be provided “when available.”
The looming strike adds to concerns over another disruption in the academic calendar, barely a year after the government pledged to restore stability to public universities.
