ASUU Mobilises Members as Strike Looms Over FG’s Inaction

There are strong signs that the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) will proceed with its planned nationwide strike, as the union expressed concern over the lack of any notable progress.

This situation arises just one week before the anticipated industrial action, while it has also begun to mobilize its members across public universities in the nation.

In a notice to its members, the union criticized the slow response of the Federal Government in addressing its demands.

Last Monday, ASUU issued a 14-day ultimatum to the Nigerian Government to fulfill its seven-point demands or face an industrial strike.

The decision was made during the union’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting on September 28 at the University of Abuja.

The Guardian reports that in a document labeled Strike Bulletin No. 1, dated October 5, 2025, ASUU President, Prof. Christopher Piwuna, urged members to get ready for another round of industrial action.

Prof. Piwuna explained that due to the government’s lack of action, they were left with no choice but to shut down universities through strikes.

He stated, “The resolutions (of NEC) were promptly communicated to the Honourable Minister of Labour, the Honourable Minister of Education, and the Nigeria Labour Congress. One week has now passed since those resolutions were made and communicated to the relevant authorities. I regret to inform you that there has been no significant development worthy of any consideration to report.”

“As we enter the second and final week of the ultimatum, I thank you on behalf of NEC for the patience and understanding you have shown since the start of this arduous negotiation that has unwarrantedly dragged on for over eight years. The aim of our current action remains primarily to compel the government to sign and implement the renegotiated agreement document, as well as address other demands.”

The ASUU President called for “the mobilization of every member of our union to ensure unity of purpose,” adding that “everyone should be involved in the fight for our welfare to combat the Japa syndrome and reposition the Nigeria University System (NUS) for global competitiveness.”

He stressed that the union has always acted in solidarity as a collective, while urging members to take directions only from their Chairpersons, Zonal Coordinators, and to regularly attend Congress meetings for updates on any further developments.