ASUU Gives FG 14-Day Ultimatum, Threatens Nationwide Strike Over Unresolved Demands

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has given the Federal Government a 14-day deadline to resolve lingering challenges in Nigeria’s university system or risk a nationwide industrial action.

The decision was contained in a communiqué issued after the union’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held at Yakubu Gowon University (formerly University of Abuja).

In a statement released to journalists on Monday in Abuja, ASUU President, Prof. Christopher Piwuna, said the ultimatum was prompted by the government’s continuous neglect of the education sector and the welfare of university lecturers.

“If at the end of the 14 days ultimatum the federal government fails to address these issues, the union may have no option than to, first, embark on a two-week warning strike and thereafter, an indefinite strike,” Piwuna warned.

He noted that the union had consistently raised concerns through campus rallies, media engagements, and repeated appeals over the last three months without any tangible government response.

Among the unresolved demands are: renegotiation of the 2009 ASUU-FGN Agreement, sustainable university funding, revitalisation of public institutions, and payment of outstanding 25–35 percent salary arrears.

Other grievances include unresolved promotion arrears spanning over four years, non-remittance of third-party deductions, and alleged victimisation of union members at LASU, KSU, and FUTO.

Piwuna called on Nigerians, including parents, students, religious and traditional leaders, as well as stakeholders, to pressure the government to act swiftly and prevent another shutdown of the university system.

“The 14-day ultimatum is an alarm to the Nigerian Government. We believe the Government has the capacity and financial strength to fix Nigerian universities once and for all. As they say, a stitch in time saves nine,” he added.

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