ASUU Raises Alarm Over Salary Changes, Warns of Nationwide Strike

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has threatened to embark on a nationwide strike over concerns surrounding a proposed new salary structure for university lecturers, issuing an ultimatum to the Federal Government to address its demands.

According to reports from multiple sources, the union expressed dissatisfaction with what it described as a lack of transparency and consultation in the development of the new pay framework. ASUU leaders warned that failure to engage the union and meet its expectations could trigger industrial action across public universities.

The dispute is said to centre on disagreements over salary adjustments, welfare provisions, and the implementation process of the new structure. ASUU insists that any review of lecturers’ salaries must reflect current economic realities, including inflation and the rising cost of living.

Speaking after a recent meeting, union representatives emphasized that the ultimatum is a final opportunity for dialogue, urging the government to act swiftly to prevent disruptions in the academic calendar. The body also reiterated its long-standing concerns about underfunding in the education sector and poor working conditions for lecturers.

The federal government has yet to issue a detailed response, but education officials have previously indicated a willingness to engage stakeholders to reach a compromise.

This development raises fears of another shutdown in Nigeria’s public university system, as past disputes between ASUU and the government have often resulted in prolonged strikes, affecting millions of students nationwide.