The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has issued a 14-day ultimatum to the Federal Government to address its seven-point demands or risk a strike action across Nigerian public universities.
At its National Executive Council meeting held on Sunday at the University of Abuja, ASUU resolved to warn the government over unresolved issues affecting the university system. The union’s notice, signed by National President Prof. Chris Piwuna and released on Monday in Abuja, stated that the deadline starting September 28, 2025, would be followed by a two-week warning strike if demands remain unmet. This could escalate into a total and indefinite strike.
ASUU’s demands include the renegotiation of the 2009 ASUU-FGN Agreement, sustainable funding for public universities, revitalization programs, an end to alleged victimization of members in certain institutions, payment of outstanding salary arrears between 25% and 35%, settlement of promotion arrears spanning over four years, and remittance of third-party deductions.
The union stressed the government neglect and repeated refusal to address its issues as factors forcing this ultimatum.
“If at the end of the fourteen days, the government fails to act, the union may have no option but to first embark on a two-week warning strike, and thereafter, a total and indefinite strike” – Prof. Piwuna
Meanwhile, a committee set up by the Ministry of Education, headed by Permanent Secretary Abel Enitan, continues its review of ASUU’s proposals but has yet to share recommendations publicly.
Education Minister Dr. Tunji Alausa urged the academic union to be patient, as talks between the federal government and the union is still ongoing.
With the 14-day countdown underway, the future of Nigeria’s public universities hangs in the balance. Should the Federal Government fail to meet ASUU’s demands, students and staff could face another cycle of disruption. Academic heads await the government’s response, hoping for a resolution that restores stability to the nation’s higher education sector.


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