Unless there’s a last-minute breakthrough, members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) are set to begin a two-week warning strike on Monday.
The decision comes after the expiration of a two-week ultimatum given to the Federal Government to address the union’s long-standing demands. As of Sunday night, the government had yet to make any official statement regarding the looming industrial action.
Sources confirmed that ASUU branches across the country have already been directed to prepare for the strike, despite ongoing talks between the union and the Federal Government aimed at preventing another shutdown in universities.
Last Wednesday, the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, told reporters in Abuja that discussions with ASUU and other university-based unions were in their final phase. He said the government had made notable progress, including the release of ₦50 billion for Earned Academic Allowances and another ₦150 billion earmarked in the 2025 budget for needs assessment — to be disbursed in three installments.
“Our lecturers deserve to be well paid, and both academic and non-academic staff deserve better welfare,” Alausa said. “We can’t do everything at once, but what matters is that we’re sincere and committed to improving their conditions.”
He added that promotion arrears and other outstanding payments, such as teaching and wage awards, had been addressed, and remaining obligations would be cleared by 2026.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to peace in the education sector, Alausa urged ASUU to show patience and continue dialogue rather than resort to strikes.
“We’ve resolved most of these issues and are now at the final stage — the condition of service,” he noted. “This government has been sincere and consistent over the last two years. Please bear with us.”
The minister also revealed that, for the first time, officials from the Ministry of Justice, including the Solicitor-General of the Federation, were part of the negotiation process to ensure the agreements are legally binding and enforceable.
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However, ASUU President, Prof. Chris Piwuna, accused the government of dragging its feet on key issues affecting lecturers.
“Our ultimatum expires on Sunday, and after that, there will be a warning strike unless something concrete comes from the government,” Piwuna said. “Within the next 48 hours, we expect something substantial. Then we’ll consult our members to decide the next step.”
Checks across several universities — including the University of Jos, Ahmadu Bello University, and the University of Abuja — revealed that preparations for the strike have already begun.
At the University of Jos, ASUU executives reportedly met with union leaders to solidify support and coordination ahead of the planned action.
When contacted, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Education, Folasade Boriowo, declined to comment on the situation.
