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From Adanna Nnamani, Abuja
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has issued a 14-day ultimatum to the Federal Government, warning that it will commence a two-week warning strike followed by an indefinite nationwide industrial action if its longstanding demands are not urgently addressed.
The union made this known in a press statement released after its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held at the University of Abuja over the weekend.
In the statement signed by its President, Dr. Christopher Piwuna, ASUU lamented what it described as the persistent neglect of the university system by both federal and state governments.
Piwuna noted that despite over 16 years of continuous engagement with the government and public advocacy through the media, the core issues affecting the country’s public universities remain unresolved.
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According to the union, the government has failed to implement the renegotiated 2009 ASUU-FGN Agreement and has shown little commitment to revitalising universities or ensuring sustainable funding for the sector. ASUU also decried the continued victimisation of its members in institutions such as Lagos State University (LASU), Prince Abubakar Audu University (KSU), and the Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO).
Other concerns include the non-payment of 25 to 35 percent salary arrears, stagnation in academic promotions for over four years, and the failure to remit third-party deductions.
ASUU recalled that its members had staged rallies across campuses in August 2025 to draw attention to the deteriorating state of public universities. Despite those peaceful protests and public appeals, the union said there has been no meaningful response from the government.
“The 14-day ultimatum is an alarm. Like a pilot who refuses to fly after hearing a warning signal, we are taking this step to prevent a complete crash of our university system. A stitch in time saves nine,” it stated.
The union stressed that it remains confident in the government’s capacity and financial strength to address the issues if it chooses to do so.
It therefore called on parents, students, traditional and religious leaders, civil society organisations, and all stakeholders in the education sector to prevail on the government to act decisively and avert a fresh round of industrial action.
