By Mabeline Amara and Gift Ishaq
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has announced a total and comprehensive two-week warning strike in public universities nationwide.
The National President of ASUU, Prof Chris Piwuna, who disclosed this during a press conference at the University of Abuja on Sunday , stated that there had been no meaningful progress to prevent the union from moving forward with its planned industrial action.
This is just as the Federal Government has called on ASUU to reconsider its decision to embark on an industrial strike, saying there is the need to engage in constructive dialogue to resolve outstanding issues while threatening to invoke principle of “No Work, No Pay” if ASUU proceed with the strike.
Prof Piwuna also explained during the press briefing that the 14-day notice, issued on September 28, 2025, had lapsed without any substantial response from the Federal Government.
He added that all ASUU branches across the country have been directed to commence a full withdrawal of their services beginning at midnight on Monday, October 13, 2025.
According to Professor Piwuna, the strike would be both total and comprehensive, in line with the resolution reached at the union’s most recent National Executive Council (NEC) meeting.
The Federal Government had on Wednesday last week, appealed to ASUU to shelve its planned strike, assuring that it is committed to addressing all outstanding demands raised by the union.
The Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, said the Federal Government is already looking into the demands of the Union and progress is already being made in the ongoing negotiations between both parties.
The Minister further explained that the Mahmud Yayale Ahmed Federal Government Tertiary Institutions Expanded Negotiation Committee had been reconstituted and inaugurated to fast-track talks with both academic and non-academic unions in universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education.
He added that President Bola Tinubu had given clear directives that all efforts must be made to avoid another disruption in the nation’s tertiary institutions.
Meanwhile, the Federal Government has called on the ASUU to reconsider its decision to embark on an industrial strike, emphasising that constructive dialogue remains the most effective and sustainable path toward resolving all outstanding issues in the tertiary education sector.
In a joint statement made available to journalists on Sunday, the Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa, and the Minister of State for Education, Prof Suwaiba Sai’d Ahmad, disclosed that the Federal Government has made a comprehensive offer to the union and is still awaiting ASUU’s official response.
They emphasised that the offer addresses the union’s primary concerns, including working conditions, institutional governance, and staff welfare.
The Ministers noted that the administration of President Bola Tinubu has approved a robust Teaching Allowance designed to reflect the value of academic work and motivate lecturers across public universities.
The statement reads in part, “All matters relating to the review of conditions of service have been duly addressed, except those within the jurisdiction of individual university governing councils, which are actively being handled. The Federal Government remains open and committed to continued engagement with ASUU once their formal response to the offer is received.”
They emphasised that the federal government has approached the matter with demonstrable commitment and sincerity, evident in its prompt policy responses and financial interventions in the education sector.
The Ministers reaffirmed that the administration of President Tinubu remains unwavering in its commitment to the welfare of Nigerian lecturers and the stability of the university system.
They noted that the ongoing reforms in the education sector are anchored on fairness, accountability, and institutional strengthening to ensure sustainable academic excellence.
Reaffirming the administration’s respect for university autonomy, the Ministers clarified that certain aspects of ASUU’s demands—particularly those relating to internal governance, appointments, and promotions—are statutory responsibilities of university governing councils. They urged the union to allow these matters to be handled appropriately at the institutional level in line with existing regulations.
They also reminded the union that the principle of “No Work, No Pay” remains an extant provision of Nigerian labour law, and the Federal Government will invoke it should ASUU proceed with the strike.
The ministers further warned that, “While government remains committed to peaceful dialogue, it will equally enforce existing laws to protect the integrity of our education system and ensure accountability.”
The Ministers further assured Nigerians that the Federal Government remains open to constructive engagement with ASUU and other stakeholders in the education sector. They noted that the administration’s consistent interventions demonstrate a clear commitment to revitalising universities, improving staff welfare, and ensuring uninterrupted academic calendars.
The ministers said, “The government has shown sincerity and commitment through engagements and policy actions. We are confident that, with continued dialogue, every legitimate concern can be addressed and resolved without shutting down our campuses. Our students must remain in school.
“The future of our children and the stability of our universities must take priority over disputes. The Federal Government remains open to discussion and is ready to work with ASUU to consolidate the gains already achieved in staff welfare, infrastructure, and institutional reforms,” the ministers added.
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