The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has issued a decisive 14-day ultimatum to the Federal Government, demanding urgent action on its long-standing demands to avert a potential full-blown strike. The union has indicated that if its demands are not met within this period, it will first embark on a two-week warning strike, followed by a total and indefinite industrial action. This announcement comes after months of intense debate and engagement in the media and various platforms regarding the persistent issues in the Nigerian university system.

The critical decision was made during a National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held on Sunday, September 28, 2025, at the University of Abuja. At this meeting, ASUU leaders vehemently decried the neglect of the university system and the government’s consistent refusal to heed their calls, despite previous engagements including campus rallies held in August 2025 that yielded no concrete results.

Among the core demands articulated by ASUU are the re-negotiation of the 2009 ASUU-FGN Agreement, ensuring sustainable funding and revitalization of universities nationwide, and addressing the victimization of academic staff in institutions such as Lagos State University (LASU), Kogi State University (now Prince Abubakar Audu University), and the Federal University of Technology, Owerri. Additionally, the union seeks the settlement of outstanding 25-35% salary arrears, resolution of promotion arrears for over four years, and the rectification of issues related to third-party deductions.

Prof. Christopher Piwuna, President of ASUU, officially conveyed this “Notice Of Strike Action” in a statement sent to Arise News and further reiterated to other press outlets, including Daily Trust. He highlighted that these issues have been brought to public attention for over sixteen years, underscoring the government's perceived lack of attention to the education sector and the welfare of university academics.

ASUU maintains a strong belief in the Nigerian leadership's capacity and the government's financial ability to resolve the challenges facing university education comprehensively. Consequently, the union has called upon all concerned Nigerian citizens, including religious and traditional rulers, parents, students, and other stakeholders in the education sector, to pressure the Federal Government into prioritizing and addressing the issues within public universities immediately. The 14-day ultimatum is viewed as a crucial alarm, providing the government an opportunity to avert a looming crisis.

Previous attempts to resolve these issues included the Federal Government establishing a committee, led by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Abel Enitan, to review ASUU’s proposals. However, weeks after its formation, there has been no concrete communication or public disclosure of resolutions, further fueling the union’s dissatisfaction. If the government fails to address these demands within the stipulated period, Nigerians may once again face the familiar disruption of public universities due to an industrial shutdown.