By Mahdi Waziri Isa
Academic activities across Nigeria’s public universities face immediate disruption as the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has commenced a comprehensive two-week warning strike. The industrial action follows the expiration of a 14-day ultimatum issued to the Federal Government last month.
ASUU National President Professor Chris Piwuna made the announcement Sunday during a press conference at the University of Abuja, directing all branches to withdraw services effective midnight Monday, October 13, 2025.
“Compatriots of the press, it goes without saying that there is nothing sufficient on ground to stop the implementation of ASUU-NEC’s resolution to embark on a two-week warning strike at the expiry of the 14-day notice,” Piwuna stated.
He emphasized that “the warning strike shall be total and comprehensive as agreed at the last NEC meeting,” indicating a complete shutdown of academic activities across all federal and state universities.
The strike declaration comes despite recent government efforts to address the union’s concerns. Education Minister Dr. Tunji Alausa had earlier confirmed that negotiations were progressing, highlighting the administration’s release of ₦50 billion for Earned Academic Allowances and the allocation of ₦150 billion in the 2025 budget for university needs assessment.
However, ASUU maintains that these measures fail to address fundamental issues, including the full implementation of the 2009 ASUU-FGN Agreement, university revitalization, payment of salary arrears, and settlement of promotion arrears.
The union has indicated it will assess the situation following the two-week warning period before determining its next course of action, leaving open the possibility of further industrial action if its demands remain unmet.
