Barring any last-minute changes, the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) will begin a two-week warning strike on Monday. This follows the expiration of the union’s two-week ultimatum to the Federal Government to meet its outstanding demands.
The government has not issued any public statement regarding the planned ASUU two-week warning strike, even though the deadline expired on Sunday night. Earlier, the union had directed its branches to prepare for industrial action if the government failed to act.
Despite ongoing discussions to avert the strike, tensions remain high between ASUU and the Federal Government over issues of funding, welfare, and implementation of the 2009 ASUU-FGN Agreement.
Minister of Education Dr. Tunji Alausa confirmed on Wednesday that the government had entered the final stage of negotiations with university unions. He stated that President Bola Tinubu’s administration approved the release of ₦50 billion for Earned Academic Allowances and ₦150 billion for needs assessment, with payments scheduled in three installments from the 2025 budget.
“They (lecturers) deserve to be paid well, and our academic and non-academic staff deserve improved welfare. But we can’t give everything at once. What matters is our sincerity and commitment to substantial improvements in their conditions,” Alausa said.
However, ASUU President Prof. Chris Piwuna criticized the Ministry of Education for its “habitual delay in addressing critical issues affecting university lecturers.” He warned that unless the government provides a meaningful response, the strike will proceed.
“Their ultimatum expires on Sunday, and after that, there will be a warning strike unless something substantial comes from the government. In the next 48 hours, we expect a tangible response. Then, we can ask our members if it’s sufficient to hold on,” Piwuna said.
The looming ASUU two-week warning strike threatens to disrupt academic activities nationwide once again, highlighting the long-standing struggle between the union and the government over university funding and staff welfare.
