ASUU salary ultimatum: Union demands immediate implementation of new lecturer pay or threatens nationwide strike in public universities
The Academic Staff Union of Universities has issued a four-day ultimatum to the Federal Government of Nigeria to implement the newly approved salary structure for university lecturers or face a nationwide shutdown of public universities.
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Union president Christopher Piwuna delivered the warning on Thursday at Sa’adu Zungur University in Bauchi State.
“We have issued a four-day ultimatum from today to the federal government to commence payment of the newly approved salary structure. Failure to comply will attract a strong response from the union,” Piwuna said.
The warning follows a renegotiated agreement between ASUU and the federal government signed in January, intended to resolve long-standing disputes and prevent recurring strikes in Nigeria’s university system.
The revised salary structure was designed to improve lecturers’ welfare and address issues arising from the 2009 FG-ASUU pact, which remained largely unimplemented.
Despite initial optimism, ASUU reports that many federal universities are struggling to pay staff, with some unable to fully cover January wages and others yet to pay February salaries.
The issue recently prompted an indefinite strike by lecturers at the University of Lagos, which was later suspended following discussions with management.
The delay in implementing the new pay structure has been partly attributed to practical challenges, including the slow passage of the 2026 national budget.
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With the ultimatum in effect, pressure is mounting on the government to act swiftly to avert further disruption to academic activities nationwide.
David Okere is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering business, governance, public affairs, and human-interest stories with a commitment to accuracy, balance, and public interest reporting.
