ASUU begins two-week warning strike after failed negotiations with FG, citing broken promises, poor funding, and withheld salaries

ASUU begins two-week warning strike today, 13 October 2025, after negotiations with the Federal Government collapsed over unmet demands and unresolved commitments.

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The strike, confirmed by ASUU National President Prof Chris Piwuna during a press briefing at the University of Abuja on Sunday, follows the expiration of a 14-day ultimatum issued to the government on 28 September.

ASUU says the decision is in line with the resolution of its National Executive Council to take industrial action if tangible progress was not made.

“Nothing sufficient is on the ground to halt the strike. All branches of ASUU are directed to withdraw their services from midnight,” Piwuna stated.

The union is demanding implementation of the renegotiated 2009 ASUU-FGN agreement, payment of withheld salaries, and sustainable funding for public universities.

It also decried government inaction on salary arrears, promotion backlogs, and third-party deductions, describing these issues as “deliberate distortions” and “provocative”.

The Federal Government, in response, warned that it may invoke the no-work-no-pay rule.

Education Minister Dr Tunji Alausa and Minister of State Prof Suwaiba Ahmad urged ASUU to reconsider, highlighting a recent N50bn release for Earned Academic Allowances and another N150bn captured in the 2025 budget.

A joint government statement insisted that dialogue remains open but accused ASUU of rejecting outreach efforts, including a recent proposal.

“The documents submitted were far removed from the spirit of the revised agreement,” Piwuna countered.

Meanwhile, the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) expressed deep concern, calling on both sides to avoid further disruptions to students’ education. NANS said consultations are ongoing to mediate the conflict.

In contrast, the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics has held off on industrial action, citing goodwill shown by the education ministry in resolving parts of its own demands.

Also read: ASUU issues 14-day ultimatum to FG over demands

As public universities brace for the latest round of disruption, the rift between ASUU and the government underscores a larger crisis in Nigeria’s higher education sector—defined by years of underfunding, broken agreements, and eroded trust.