The Federal Government of Nigeria has appealed to the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to reconsider its planned nationwide strike, assuring that efforts are underway to address the union’s outstanding demands.
Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja on Wednesday, the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, confirmed that the government is actively engaging with ASUU and making steady progress in the ongoing negotiations with university lecturers.
Tinubu Government Moves to Prevent University Strike
According to Alausa, the Federal Government has reconstituted and inaugurated the Mahmud Yayale Ahmed-led Tertiary Institutions Expanded Negotiation Committee to fast-track negotiations with academic and non-academic staff unions in universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education.
“President Bola Tinubu has issued clear directives that no effort should be spared in preventing any further disruption in Nigeria’s tertiary education system,” the Minister stated.
ASUU Strike Looms as Ultimatum Nears Expiry
Despite the government’s assurances, ASUU has begun mobilising its members across federal and state universities in preparation for a possible two-week warning strike, following the expiration of its 14-day ultimatum on Sunday, October 13, 2025.
The ASUU strike notice was issued after a National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held at the University of Abuja, where the union expressed frustration over what it described as the government’s neglect of Nigeria’s public universities.
In a statement signed by ASUU National President, Chris Piwuna, the union cited continued delay in fulfilling prior agreements, non-payment of earned academic allowances, underfunding of universities, and poor working conditions as key grievances.
ASUU Accuses FG of Neglecting University System
“Nothing came out of the numerous rallies, press engagements, and protests conducted by ASUU members since August 2025,” the union stated. “It is now evident that both federal and state governments consistently ignore the education sector and the welfare of university academics in Nigeria.”
ASUU warned that if its demands are not met by the end of the 14-day ultimatum, it will initiate a two-week warning strike, which may escalate into an indefinite nationwide strike
