ASUU SERVES FEDERAL GOVERNMENT 14-DAY ULTIMATUM, THREATENS FULL-BLOWN STRIKE

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has issued a 14-day ultimatum to the Federal Government of Nigeria, warning that if their demands aren’t met, they’ll embark on a full-blown strike. This decisive move follows an emergency National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held at the University of Abuja on Sunday, September 28, 2025, as announced by ASUU President, Professor Christopher Piwuna.

“The fourteen days ultimatum, therefore, is an alarm to the Nigerian Government and ASUU as a Union believes that the Government has the muscle to avert this looming strike,” Professor Piwuna stated in the press release titled “Notice Of Strike Action”. He emphasized that ASUU is confident Nigerian leadership has the capacity and financial strength to resolve university challenges once and for all.

The union’s key demands include:

– *Re-negotiation of the 2009 ASUU-FGN Agreement*: A longstanding pact needing updates.

– *Sustainable Funding of Universities*: Ensuring financial stability for institutions.

– *Revitalization of Universities*: Addressing infrastructure and resource gaps.

– *Addressing Victimization*: Concerning staff in Lagos State University (LASU), Kogi State University (KSU, now Prince Abubakar Audu University), and Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO).

– *Outstanding 25-35% Salary Arrears*: Unpaid salary increments.

– *Promotion Arrears Over 4 Years*: Stalled career progression for lecturers.

– *Third-Party Deductions*: Unresolved financial deductions.

Professor Piwuna lamented the government’s consistent neglect of the education sector, noting these issues have been debated for over three months across national, zonal, and branch levels, and publicly discussed for 16 years. “It is over sixteen years now since ASUU has brought these issues to the media and the public domain,” he said, urging stakeholders to press the government for action.

If the ultimatum expires without satisfactory resolution, ASUU plans a two-week warning strike, potentially escalating to an indefinite strike. “ASUU believes the government has the strength to avert this looming strike. As the saying goes, a stitch in time saves nine,” Piwuna appealed.