The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) is poised to commence a two-week warning strike on Monday, following the expiration of a 14-day ultimatum it issued to the Federal Government over unresolved demands.
ASUU has made clear there is “no going back” on the planned industrial action, citing repeated delays in government response and unfulfilled promises. The union insists the government’s latest appeal lacks substance and came too late to avert the strike.
In a meeting with student leaders at the University of Jos, ASUU representatives explained the basis of their decision, stressing that their grievances reflect deeper systemic issues in Nigeria’s tertiary education sector. They referenced demands including the implementation of the 2009 ASUU-FGN Agreement, payment of promotion arrears, release of the revitalisation fund, reinstatement of victimised members, and payment of withheld allowances.
The Federal Government, meanwhile, says it has entered the final phase of negotiations with ASUU and other tertiary-level unions, with a technical working group preparing a counter-offer. The government also announced a ₦150 billion needs assessment fund in the 2025 budget as part of efforts to placate the union.
Education Minister Tunji Alausa confirmed that ₦50 billion was already released toward the Earned Academic Allowance, and pledged that the ₦150 billion for needs assessment would be disbursed in tranches. He also underscored President Tinubu’s directive that students must remain in school and called on the union to forestall disruption.
With Monday looming, stakeholders in the education sector are watching closely to see whether a breakthrough will emerge in the weekend or if the strike will begin, potentially disrupting academic activities nationwide.
