The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has declared a two-week total and comprehensive warning strike across all public universities in Nigeria, beginning midnight on Monday, October 13, 2025.
The National President of ASUU, Prof. Chris Piwuna, announced the decision on Sunday during a press briefing at the University of Abuja.
“Compatriots of the press, it goes without saying that there is nothing sufficient on the ground to stop the implementation of the ASUU-NEC’s resolution to embark on a two-week warning strike at the expiry of the 14-day notice given on the 28th September 2025,” Piwuna stated.
He directed all ASUU branches nationwide to withdraw their services starting from midnight, adding that the action would be “total and comprehensive” as resolved at the last National Executive Council (NEC) meeting.
The latest face-off between the union and the Federal Government comes despite ongoing negotiations aimed at averting another disruption in the nation’s tertiary education calendar.
Earlier in the week, the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, had disclosed that the government had entered the final phase of discussions with ASUU and other university-based unions to resolve lingering issues surrounding welfare, funding, and the implementation of the 2009 ASUU-FGN Agreement.
Alausa explained that the Tinubu administration had already released ₦50 billion for the payment of Earned Academic Allowances, while another ₦150 billion was captured in the 2025 budget for needs assessment, to be disbursed in three tranches.
FG Appeals to ASUU to Shelve Strike
Reacting to the strike declaration, the Federal Government on Sunday appealed to ASUU to reconsider its decision in the interest of students and the stability of the university system.
In a joint statement signed by the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, and the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Sai’d Ahmad, the government urged the union to embrace dialogue, warning that it would enforce the “No Work, No Pay” policy if the strike proceeds.
The ministers said the government had made a comprehensive offer addressing ASUU’s major demands, including working conditions, institutional governance, and staff welfare.
“The administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a robust Teaching Allowance designed to reflect the value of academic work and motivate lecturers across public universities,” the statement read.
They maintained that while the government had demonstrated commitment through prompt policy responses and financial interventions, ASUU had not reciprocated the gesture.
The statement further clarified that issues relating to internal university governance, appointments, and promotions fall under the purview of university governing councils and should be addressed at the institutional level.
Reaffirming its respect for university autonomy, the government said it remains open to continued engagement with ASUU, urging the union to prioritise the future of students and the stability of the academic calendar.
“The government has shown sincerity and commitment through engagements and policy actions. We are confident that with continued dialogue, every legitimate concern can be resolved without shutting down our campuses,” the statement added.
