ASUU Threatens Fresh Strike Over Unpaid Salaries and Stalled Agreement

At a Friday emergency session of its National Executive Council, ASUU's President Prof Christopher Piwuna delivered a final notice to both federal and state authorities. The union warned it could reactivate a currently suspended nationwide strike, potentially commencing "without any further notice" if its demands remain unmet.

Three primary concerns form the basis of ASUU's ultimatum. Of the 7.5 months in lecturer salary arrears accumulated historically, 3.5 months have yet to be settled.

Implementation of the December 2025 agreement struck with the Federal Government remains incomplete. Additionally, authorities have neglected to transfer billions withheld from academic staff—encompassing pension remittances, cooperative contributions, and union check-offs that belong to members.

ASUU has criticized both governmental tiers, accusing them of offering superficial gestures toward resolution, especially considering the extensive negotiations that produced the December 2025 accord. The union's escalating frustration stems from its view that assurances exchanged during those demanding discussions have largely gone unfulfilled.

A fresh closure of universities nationwide would present considerable disruption, leveraging ASUU's track record of industrial action. Academic operations across Nigeria's public tertiary institutions would cease, affecting countless learners nationwide.

The union has nevertheless refrained from announcing a timeline should officials neglect to satisfy its terms.