ASUU Ultimatum: 14 Days For FG Or Strike Looms. ASUU has issued a 14-day ultimatum to the Federal Government, demanding resolution of long-standing issues or risk a nationwide university shutdown. If unmet, a two-week warning strike will follow, escalating to a full indefinite strike.
ASUU Ultimatum 2025: Strike Threat Over Unresolved Demands
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has delivered a firm 14-day ultimatum to the Federal Government of Nigeria, warning of imminent industrial action if critical demands remain unaddressed. The decision was reached during ASUU’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held on September 28, 2025, at the University of Abuja.
What Triggered the Ultimatum?
ASUU cited the government’s persistent neglect of public universities, failure to implement previous agreements, and disregard for lecturers’ welfare. Despite months of protests and reminders, the union claims there has been no meaningful response from the government.
The union’s president, Prof. Chris Piwuna, stated that if the government fails to act within the 14-day window, ASUU will initiate a two-week warning strike, followed by a total and indefinite shutdown of public universities nationwide.
ASUU’s Seven-Point Demands
ASUU is calling for urgent action on the following:
- Renegotiation of the 2009 ASUU-FGN Agreement
- Sustainable funding and revitalisation of public universities
- Payment of outstanding salary arrears (25–35% wage awards)
- Resolution of delayed promotion arrears spanning over four years
- Settlement of unpaid third-party deductions
- End to victimisation of ASUU members at LASU, Prince Abubakar Audu University, and FUTO
- Implementation of the draft agreement submitted by the Yayale Ahmed committee in February
Government’s Response So Far
The Federal Ministry of Education had earlier set up a committee led by Permanent Secretary Abel Enitan to review ASUU’s proposals. However, no public decisions have emerged from that effort. ASUU claims the government requested a three-week grace period due to President Tinubu’s travel, but that window has now expired.
What Happens Next?
If the Federal Government fails to meet ASUU’s demands by October 12, 2025, the union will proceed with its planned strike actions. This could lead to another prolonged disruption in Nigeria’s tertiary education system, affecting millions of students nationwide.
ASUU chapters have reportedly held referendums, with most voting in favor of strike action. The union insists that the time for negotiation has passed and that decisive action is now required.