The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has once again put the Federal Government on notice, issuing a fresh 14-day ultimatum to address lingering issues affecting Nigerian public universities, warning that failure to act could lead to another nationwide shutdown of academic activities.
The ultimatum, which took effect from Sunday, September 28, 2025, was issued after the union’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held in Abuja. In a statement signed by ASUU President, Professor Chris Piwuna, the union accused the government of failing to honour agreements reached after previous negotiations and strikes.
Key Demands
ASUU’s grievances date back over a decade, rooted in the 2009 ASUU-FG agreement which, according to the union, has suffered repeated neglect by successive administrations. The major demands include:
- Renegotiation of the 2009 Agreement: ASUU insists that the terms need urgent review to reflect current realities.
- Revitalisation Funds for Universities: The union laments the decay in infrastructure and learning conditions, urging the government to release committed funds to improve laboratories, libraries, and lecture halls.
- Settlement of Salary Arrears and Earned Allowances: Academic staff across several universities are reportedly owed outstanding wages and allowances.
- Sustainable Funding Model: ASUU is pushing for a long-term funding plan to secure the future of public universities and reduce over-reliance on tuition or external loans.
Threat Of Strike
Prof. Piwuna warned that should the government fail to meet these demands within the ultimatum period, ASUU will embark on a two-week warning strike. This will be followed by a total, comprehensive, and indefinite industrial action that could cripple the nation’s tertiary education system.
“Our members are tired of the government’s lackadaisical attitude. If nothing concrete is done within these 14 days, the union will have no choice but to act in the interest of Nigerian universities and students,” he said.
Possible Fallout
This latest warning has stirred concerns among parents, students, and stakeholders in the education sector. Nigeria’s public universities have been repeatedly disrupted by strikes, with the most recent major action in 2022 lasting for eight months, leaving students stranded and academic calendars distorted.
Observers fear that another shutdown could derail the academic plans of hundreds of thousands of undergraduates, while also affecting research projects and international collaborations.
Government’s Position
So far, the Federal Government has not issued an official response to ASUU’s latest ultimatum. However, in the past, government officials have repeatedly cited limited resources and competing national priorities as reasons for delays in meeting the union’s demands.
Critics argue that the government has shown a pattern of last-minute negotiations, often waiting until strikes are imminent before reaching temporary compromises. Education analysts believe that a more sustainable dialogue and funding framework is necessary to avoid the cycle of recurring crises.
Students’ Reactions
Student groups, particularly the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), have appealed to both ASUU and the Federal Government to put the interest of students first. NANS warned that if another prolonged strike occurs, students may be forced into the streets in protest, similar to what happened during the 2022 strike.
Conclusion
As the clock ticks on the 14-day ultimatum, uncertainty looms over Nigeria’s university system. With the union standing firm on its demands and the government yet to show visible commitment, many fear the country could be on the verge of another crippling shutdown of tertiary education.