ASUU has warned of a possible strike over delayed implementation of its 2025 agreement with government and unresolved welfare issues
The Academic Staff Union of Universities has warned that Nigeria’s public university system could face a fresh wave of industrial unrest if the Federal Government and state governments fail to fully implement the December 2025 agreement reached with the union.
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The warning followed its National Executive Council meeting held at Modibbo Adama University on May 9 and 10, 2026, where the union reviewed the implementation status of the agreement and other unresolved issues affecting university lecturers.
In a statement issued on Monday by ASUU President, Chris Piwuna, the union expressed dissatisfaction with what it described as the distorted and uncoordinated implementation of the agreement signed with the Federal Government.
ASUU said it had maintained a “studied silence” since the agreement was signed and publicly presented in January 2026, but was now compelled to speak following a review of developments.
The union warned that the momentum generated by the agreement was “fast waning” and could be lost if government fails to fully honour its commitments.
The ASUU strike warning comes amid growing concerns over welfare conditions, salary arrears and funding challenges in Nigeria’s university system.
The union blamed the situation on the failure to inaugurate the Implementation Monitoring Committee, which was meant to oversee proper execution of the agreement.
It also accused authorities of implementing provisions in a selective and uncoordinated manner, particularly regarding allowances such as Consolidated Academic Allowances, Earned Academic Allowances and Professorial Allowances.
ASUU further raised concerns over outstanding salary arrears, promotion arrears, unremitted deductions, and withheld salaries from the 2022 industrial action.
The union also criticised delays in pension payments for retired lecturers and alleged administrative lapses in both federal and state universities.
On education policy, ASUU rejected aspects of government proposals, including plans for a National Research Council and a National Research and Innovation Development Fund, arguing that they do not align with the 2025 agreement.
It also opposed the establishment of a foreign university campus in Nigeria under a transnational education arrangement, warning that it could weaken local institutions.
ASUU urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as Visitor to federal universities, to intervene urgently to prevent further deterioration in the sector.
The union cautioned that continued neglect of lecturers’ welfare could trigger renewed industrial action, as frustration among members continues to grow.
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It added that its National Executive Council would reconvene in the coming weeks to assess progress and determine the next course of action.
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.
