ASUU threatens strike, gives FG ultimatum over new pay structure

By Lawrence Agbo

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has threatened to embark on industrial action, issuing a four-day ultimatum to the Federal Government to implement the newly approved salary structure for university lecturers.

ASUU President, Christopher Piwuna, announced the decision on Thursday during a public lecture in Bauchi State, stating that the agreement reached in December 2025 was meant to take effect from January 2026 but remains unimplemented.

He warned that failure by the Federal Government to commence payment under the new structure within the stipulated timeframe would trigger a “strong response” from the union, citing a history of unfulfilled agreements.

“We have issued a four-day ultimatum from today to the Federal Government to begin the payment of the newly approved salary structure. Failure to comply will attract a strong response from the union,” he said.

Piwuna also criticised the government’s handling of the education sector, cautioning against plans to establish a branch of Coventry University in Nigeria, which he described as detrimental to the growth of local institutions.

The development adds to mounting labour tensions, with ASUU having recently directed some members to withdraw services over unpaid salary arrears, while other federal workers have also threatened nationwide action over unresolved wage issues.