Barely one week before the commencement of its planned nationwide strike, the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has begun mobilising its members across universities in Nigeria.
The union’s latest move follows what it described as the government’s continued silence after being formally notified of its grievances through the Minister of Labour and Employment, Maigari Dingyadi, and other relevant authorities.
ASUU had earlier announced plans to shut down all public universities as part of efforts to press home its long-standing demands. According to the union, the strike action would begin with a two-week warning strike starting Sunday, September 28, 2025, before transitioning into a total and indefinite shutdown if the federal government fails to address the issues raised.
In a fresh letter dated October 5, 2025, and signed by ASUU President, Prof. Chris Piwuna, the union said it had no choice but to embark on industrial action, expressing disappointment over the lack of meaningful progress since the ultimatum was issued.
He stated, “The National Executive Council (NEC) of our Union, at its emergency meeting of 29th September, 2025, having evaluated the results of the referendum held across our branches, resolved to give government a fourteen-day ultimatum to resolve the issues contained in the negotiated document which has been transmitted to government since February, 2025.”
Piwuna further explained that ASUU had resolved to commence a two-week warning strike if the government failed to make satisfactory progress within the ultimatum period.
He added, “The resolutions were immediately communicated to the Honourable Minister of Labour, the Honourable Minister of Education, and the Nigeria Labour Congress. It is now one week since those resolutions were reached and communicated to the appropriate authorities. I regret to inform you that there is no meaningful development deserving of any consideration to be reported.”
Expressing appreciation to members for their patience, Piwuna noted that the prolonged negotiation process, which has dragged on for more than eight years, has tested the union’s endurance.
He said, “As we enter the second and final week of the ultimatum, I thank you on behalf of NEC for the patience and understanding which you demonstrated since the commencement of this tortuous negotiation that has unjustifiably lasted over eight years.”
Piwuna reiterated that the strike’s main goal is to compel the government to sign and implement the renegotiated agreement document, alongside addressing other key demands affecting the welfare of lecturers and the competitiveness of Nigeria’s university system.
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He urged members to remain united, saying, “The goal of our current action remains principally to compel Government to sign and implement the renegotiated agreement document, amongst other demands. The days ahead call for mobilisation of every member of our union to ensure unity of purpose. No one should be left out of the struggle to our welfare, stem the Japa syndrome and reposition the Nigeria University System (NUS) for global competitiveness.”
Concluding his letter, Piwuna reminded members of the importance of solidarity and discipline during the mobilisation period, stating, “We are strong when we organise, but weakened when we agonise! Our Union has always acted in solidarity as a collective; this action will not be different. Members are to take instructions only from their Chairpersons. When in doubt, members should consult their Chairpersons, Zonal Coordinators and attend Congress meetings regularly for updates on further developments.”