ASUU Gears Up for Fresh Strike Action as Government Remains Silent
In what seems like déjà vu for Nigerian university students, the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) is once again preparing to down tools, this time with a two-week warning strike planned for October 13, 2025.
The nation’s university lecturers, led by their National President Prof. Chris Piwuna, have reached their breaking point after months of fruitless negotiations with the Federal Government. At the heart of the dispute lies the long-standing 2009 ASUU-FGN Agreement, which has remained a bone of contention between both parties.
Following an emergency National Executive Council meeting held on September 28, 2025, ASUU took the decisive step of issuing a 14-day ultimatum to the government. The union’s demands aren’t new – they’re seeking implementation of agreements that have been gathering dust since February 2025.
“I regret to inform you that there is no meaningful development deserving any consideration to be reported,” Prof. Piwuna stated in a memo that carried more than a hint of frustration. Despite formally notifying both the Minister of Labour and the Minister of Education, as well as the Nigeria Labour Congress, the government’s response has been met with deafening silence.
The situation has prompted ASUU to mobilize its chapters nationwide for what could become another disruption to the academic calendar. This development comes at a particularly sensitive time, as many universities are still trying to stabilize their academic schedules following previous industrial actions.
If the government fails to respond with “acceptable and satisfactory steps” before the ultimatum expires, Nigerian university students might find themselves back home, watching another episode of the seemingly endless ASUU-Government face-off unfold.
The ball now sits squarely in the government’s court, with just days remaining before the proposed strike action begins. As stakeholders hold their breath, the question remains: Will this be another long-drawn battle, or will the government finally address these lingering issues?
