ASUU Strike Grounds Nigerian Varsities as FG Clamps Down
Academic activities came to a halt across numerous public universities in the country on Monday, as the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) initiated a two-week warning strike to emphasize its demands.
The recent conflict between ASUU and the Federal Government arose following failed negotiations between both sides.
This strike was announced by the National President of ASUU, Prof. Chris Piwuna, during a press conference in Abuja on Sunday.
In response, the Federal Government instructed the National Universities Commission to present a list of attendance for all lecturers in public universities within a week.
The Nigeria Labor Congress voiced its support for the union while condemning the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, regarding the attempt to implement the no-work-no-pay policy.
NLC president Joe Ajaero labeled the policy as an intimidation tactic that would not address the issues affecting public tertiary institutions in the nation.
Alausa stated that the government was in the final stages of discussions with ASUU and other unions to resolve ongoing disputes related to welfare, funding, and the execution of the 2009 ASUU-FGN Agreement.
He mentioned that the Tinubu administration had made notable advances, including the allocation of N50 billion for Earned Academic Allowances, with an additional N150 billion earmarked in the 2025 budget for needs assessment, to be released in three phases.
In light of ASUU’s strike action, Alausa, in a circular on Monday, directed the National Universities Commission and vice chancellors to implement the ‘no work, no pay’ policy.
According to the labor laws of the federation, the Federal Government reiterated its stance on enforcing the ‘No work, no pay’ policy concerning any employee who does not fulfill their official duties during the strike.
The minister instructed all vice-chancellors at federal universities to conduct an immediate roll call and a physical headcount of all academic staff within their institutions.
He also required them to provide a detailed report showing which staff members were present and actively working, as well as those who were absent or participating in the strike.
Alausa further ordered that salary payments for the duration of the work stoppage would be withheld from those who do not perform their responsibilities.
He clarified that members of the Congress of University Academics and the National Association of Medical and Dental Academics, who are not participating in the strike, would be exempt from this directive and would not face any salary deductions.
The minister tasked the NUC with ensuring compliance with this directive and submitting a consolidated report to the ministry within seven days of receiving the circular.
“The National Universities Commission will oversee adherence to this directive and provide a consolidated report to the Ministry within seven days of receiving this circular.
“Please handle this issue with the highest urgency and a strong sense of responsibility in the interest of the nation,” Alausa urged university leaders.
In response to these developments, ASUU president Piwuna, a consultant psychiatrist, emphasized that the union does not react to threats.
A visibly frustrated Piwuna, who appeared on Channels Television’s ‘Politics Today’ on Monday, also warned the minister against employing “divide and rule” strategies.
“We do not react to threats. No one can intimidate us. We view ourselves as victims of this government in the same way that students see themselves as victims of the current situation. ASUU is ready and willing to discuss and resolve this matter definitively.”
Meanwhile, the NLC president cautioned Alausa against enforcing the ‘no work, no pay policy.’
Ajaero also pointed out that the NLC would have to take measures if the minister does not fulfill ASUU’s demands by the conclusion of the two-week warning strike.
“If the government fails to respond after the two-week warning strike, the NLC will not remain inactive. The NLC will call an emergency meeting with its affiliates in the higher education sector to devise a thorough strategy for further negotiations with the government.
“The fight of ASUU represents the fight of the Nigerian working class. The battle for public education is crucial for the future of Nigeria. The NLC will no longer permit these unions to confront this challenge alone.
“We urge the Federal Government to utilize this two-week timeframe to present a detailed plan for the complete execution of all agreements.
“The decision is straightforward: honor the agreements and rescue public education, or face the determined and united strength of the entire Nigerian workforce.”
Following the strike, academic activities were halted across multiple public universities nationwide.
The chairman of the ASUU-Ahmadu Bello University branch, Haruna Jibril, confirmed compliance shortly after a congress convened at the university’s main campus in Samaru, Zaria. He stated that the decision mirrored the collective determination of the academic staff to advocate for their long-standing demands.
“We have fully complied with the directive from our national body. Although this marks the first day of the strike, we are hopeful that compliance will remain absolute throughout the two-week duration,” Jibril told reporters after the congress.
He mentioned that the union had no choice but to participate in the nationwide warning strike to support the national organization, emphasizing that the government’s failure to address the union’s demands had made ongoing patience impossible.
“Our members have been unwavering and resilient despite years of neglect by successive administrations. This strike is not motivated by personal interests; it concerns the future of our universities and the welfare of both staff and students,” Jibril stated.
At both the Samaru and Kongo campuses of the university, the typical vibrancy of academic life was replaced by groups of students discussing the situation.
In the Faculty of Education, classrooms were empty, and students sat idly in clusters. A few lecturers were seen on the faculty grounds, but none entered classrooms to provide instruction.
“This is not a typical Monday,” a final-year student, Shafiqah Abdullahi, remarked to The PUNCH.
“We did not have any lectures today. The lecturers were present, but none came into the classroom to teach. This situation will not be beneficial for us, especially those in their final year. I believe we are the ones who will face the most difficulties if the strike continues.”
At the Faculty of Social Sciences, The PUNCH noticed some students who had just completed a test, while others were uncertain about future academic activities.
Hassan Kugu, a student in Library and Information Studies, mentioned that his department was able to conduct a test in the morning before the strike took full effect.
“Maybe it was just the first day. We managed to take a test this morning and were expecting to have another one tomorrow. However, I think we were allowed to proceed because most of the ASUU members were still in their meeting while we wrote. Tomorrow’s test might not take place since the congress has announced total compliance,” he explained.
In response to the Federal Government’s “No work, no pay” policy, Jibril stated that union members were not intimidated by such statements, calling them familiar tactics that would not deter their efforts.
“We take the government’s threat seriously, but we are not shaken by it,” he said. “We’ve faced this before. During the previous major strike, we went without pay for eight months, yet our members stood firm. Some of our peers have been without salaries for over 30 months due to issues with the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System. Even the current pay is often inadequate to cover necessities.”
Likewise, academic activities came to a halt at Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, as the university’s ASUU chapter joined the strike.
The UDUS ASUU Chairman, Professor Nurudeen Muhammad, confirmed this development in an interview, stating that members initiated the strike action at midnight in accordance with the directive from the union’s national headquarters.
“We initiated the strike at midnight today, following the national directive,” Muhammad remarked.
“Our members will continue to completely observe the two-week warning strike until we receive further instructions,” he continued.
Additionally, universities in Ondo State commenced participation in the nationwide strike on Monday. At Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, reports indicated that no academic activities were in progress. Students were seen wandering around the campus while their classrooms remained open, but lectures did not occur.
Before the national strike, AAUA lecturers were already engaged in an indefinite strike due to a dispute with the state government regarding salaries and allowances.
Commenting on the situation, the ASUU Chairman at the institution, Prof. Bolu Oshodi, mentioned that his members adhered to the directives from the union’s national leadership.
“Previously, we had been on a local strike, so it’s essentially a situation of a double strike for us now. I want to stress that even if the national matters are resolved, we will not resume if our local issues remain unresolved,” he asserted.
The former ASUU Chairman at Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology, Okitipupa, Prof. Olorunsola Rotimi, stated, “Everyone has now joined the strike across the federation. A resolution was made by the NEC of ASUU. We have given the government a 14-day notice, as mandated by labor law.”
Lecturers at Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi, previously known as Federal University of Agriculture, also halted their activities.
The ASUU Chairman at the university, Dr. Terseer Abari, informed journalists that the chapter had followed the directive. Abari mentioned, “We are on strike as we speak, having complied with the national directive.”
The warning strike interrupted examinations at the institution. However, Abari pointed out that most students had completed their exams but noted that those still taking exams would need to finish after the strike.
He remarked, “Many of our students have finished their exams except those in the Veterinary College who have one or two papers remaining. But as we continue the strike, all other activities will pause. When we return, they will complete them; 95 percent of our students have finished their exams. If you visit our campus, you will hardly find anyone except those working on their projects. These students will return home and come back after the strike.”
Students were observed at Fr. Moses Adasu University, Makurdi, formerly Benue State University, but no lectures were ongoing.
Academic and social functions were similarly disrupted at the University of Uyo. Our correspondent, who examined both campuses of the University of Uyo, reported that no lectures were held on Monday as the classrooms were vacant. Lecturers and students gathered in small groups discussing the strike.
The Branch Chairman of ASUU, Prof. Olajide Opeyemi, confirmed the labor action, stating, “The strike has officially commenced following our procedures and Congress resolutions. This was a directive from the national body of our union.”
A comparable situation occurred at the University of Ibadan, where the faculty adhered to ASUU’s orders. The Branch Chairman, Adefemi Afolabi, mentioned that academic activities at the university are currently paused.
“There is adherence to the directives from the national body of the union. The warning strike began at midnight on Sunday and will continue until a new directive is issued by the union. We are visiting the faculties and departments to ensure full compliance with the directives. Academic and related activities are not taking place on campus,” he remarked.
Lecturers at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, were unavailable when our reporter arrived on campus on Monday. The ASUU Owerri Zone Chairman, Prof Dennis Aribodor, called on the Federal Government to fulfill its obligations.
“The Federal Government needs to exhibit its paternal role by meeting its commitments instead of resorting to threats. We are prepared to wait ten years if necessary until the government acts accordingly,” he stated.
There was complete adherence to the strike directive by lecturers at the University of Jos. Our reporter, who visited the Bauchi Road campus on Monday afternoon, noted that many lecturers were absent from campus, leaving students who came for classes without instruction.
In an interview with The PUNCH in Jos, the ASUU branch Chairman at UNIJOS, Prof. Jurbe Molwus, affirmed that the lecturers were fully participating in the warning strike.
“We are fully participating in the warning strike at UNIJOS,” Molwus stated.
“The Federal Government has threatened us with ‘no work no pay,’ but we will not waver; we are not intimidated. We will continue to comply until the government addresses our requests.”
A similar scenario unfolded at Plateau State University in Bokkos, as verified by the ASUU Branch Chairman, Dr. Monday Hassan.
The Branch Chairman of ASUU at Tai Solarin Federal University of Education, Ijagun, Dr. Adewale Ositoye, along with his counterpart at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Dr. Ola Oyedele, and an official from Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago Iwoye, confirmed that all three institutions participated in the national strike.
Ositoye indicated that his colleagues at TASUED have refrained from attending lectures until the conclusion of the 14-day warning strike.
FUNAAB students Benjamin Okoli and Temiloluwa Timothy expressed their disappointment regarding the disruption to the school’s academic schedule.
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