Before ASUU Goes on Another Strike: What Students Must Know

Unless compelling reasons arise and the federal government implements proactive measures to resolve the concerns of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Nigeria’s higher education system could face yet another challenging period of closure. This situation would be quite detrimental. Central to the issue is the 2009 pact made between the government and university lecturers regarding sufficient funding for the education sector and the welfare of staff. Additionally, there are matters about earned allowances and other grievances expressed by the educators.

As of Thursday, August 28, 2025, tensions were mounting when the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, stated that there was no binding agreement in place between the Federal Government and ASUU. However, after a public backlash regarding his statement, he retracted his claim the following day and confirmed the existence of a formal agreement between the two parties. Even with the minister’s recognition of the agreement, a strike still appears imminent within the system; therefore, both the federal government and the union must negotiate a compromise to prevent another difficult shutdown of the universities.

In response, ASUU has urged stakeholders, including the National Assembly, religious leaders, traditional rulers, and students, to advise the Federal Government against escalating tensions that could lead teachers to initiate a nationwide strike. This appeal follows protests by union members nationwide, particularly at federal government-owned universities.

From the University of Uyo to the University of Jos, the University of Abuja, and Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Umuahia, lecturers took to the streets to demonstrate. The protests also disrupted academic operations at Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike Ikwo (AE-FUNAI) in Ebonyi State.

Speaking from the University of Ilorin, ASUU chairman Dr. Alex Akanmu stated, “University staff are not slaves; there needs to be an increase in the budget allocated to education. As peace-loving individuals, we can no longer permit the welfare of our members to be subject to the government’s delay tactics.” At the University of Maiduguri, ASUU chairman Dr. Abubakar Mshelia cautioned against the dangers of treating intellectuals with contempt, emphasizing that such disrespect cannot foster meaningful progress in Nigeria.

Previously, ASUU had threatened to take industrial action due to dissatisfaction with how the demands of its members were being addressed by both state and federal governments. Complaints primarily focus on the woeful condition of universities, which is reflected in insufficient funding, rundown infrastructure, and a disenchanted workforce. Many university libraries and laboratories resemble empty halls filled with outdated materials and obsolete tools. Classrooms designed to hold 50 students often accommodate over 150 to 200 students in numerous federal and state universities.

As they face frustration and disillusionment, numerous lecturers are departing for other nations. Recent media coverage revealed that at least 239 first-class graduates from the University of Lagos, who joined as lecturers, left the institution within seven years. Poor salaries, unfavorable working environments, and a lack of motivation among lecturers contributed to this mass departure. This trend is alarming and indicative of failures in both state governance and leadership. A nation devoid of a robust university education resembles a house built on unstable ground, with the imminent risk of collapse.

It has unmistakably become customary for public officials in the country to send their children abroad for education. Recently, social media was abuzz with images of former Kaduna State governor Nasir el-Rufai celebrating his son Ahmad, who earned a degree from a university in London. El-Rufai was not unique in this insensitive display; former President Muhammadu Buhari and ex-Vice President Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, along with various governors and lawmakers, have all participated in similar behavior.

Indeed, five of Buhari’s children were educated at distinguished universities in the United Kingdom, including Buckingham University, the University of Plymouth, the University of Leicester, and the University of Surrey. Osinbajo’s son, Fiyinfunoluwa, graduated from Warwick University. Previous leaders have also opted for foreign education for their children. In 2016, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar celebrated one of his daughters’ graduation from a foreign university. Former Senate President Bukola Saraki, who also served as governor of Kwara State, celebrated his son’s graduation from the London School of Economics. Current officials are continuing this trend, with Works Minister David Umahi recently highlighting his son’s graduation from a university abroad.

Parents have the right to educate their children wherever they see fit, provided they have the financial capability. Buhari addressed this issue directly when a foreign news outlet asked why his children attend schools abroad instead of Nigerian universities, stating, “Because I can afford it.” However, the matter is deeper than that.

Education should be considered a fundamental right rather than a luxury. Countless Nigerians lack the means or opportunities to send their children to schools overseas. These individuals are the ones most affected by the poor state of public education in Nigeria. This is why any confrontation between the government and ASUU is of significant concern for these Nigerians.

We have previously argued that Nigeria exemplifies a situation where leaders continue to operate in the same manner, anticipating different outcomes. This can aptly be described as madness. Allowing another strike by university educators in the current volatile climate that the country is facing poses serious risks. Not only do students face potential setbacks in their education, but overall standards also decline. Additionally, society at large bears the consequences.

Whenever teachers initiate a strike, the academic calendar takes a hit. Over time, these strikes extend the duration students must spend in universities. During periods of inactivity, many students may resort to various vices, inappropriate behaviors, or even criminal activities, while parents struggle to financially support their indefinitely enrolled children. In 2020, the union was on strike for almost a year. From February 14, 2022, to October 14, 2022, universities across the nation remained closed due to ASUU’s strike regarding funding and other issues. That entire academic year was lost as a result. This strike marked the 17th in a continuing pattern since the onset of the current civilian government in 1999.

Nigeria cannot persist down this unfortunate path. There is an urgent need for sufficient funding for the universities. It is positive that the federal government has stated it will not allow the lecturers’ demands to escalate into a full-scale strike. However, these promises need to be substantiated with concrete actions. The government must revisit the agreements made with ASUU and honor them. It should also pay attention to the critical issues raised by the lecturers and address those concerns. A strong university education is vital for a nation’s progress and should not be disregarded. Nigeria cannot tolerate another prolonged and unnecessary strike initiated by ASUU.