University lecturers across Nigeria, under the umbrella of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), staged nationwide peaceful protests, issuing a stern warning of a potential total shutdown of public universities. Their actions stem from the Federal Government's alleged failure to meet long-standing demands, which include the conclusion of the 2009 FGN-ASUU agreement renegotiation, the provision of revitalisation funds, payment of withheld salaries, and unremitted deductions. Protests were observed in various institutions, including the University of Lagos, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU) in Bauchi, Federal University of Technology Minna (FUT Minna), Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA), University of Ibadan (UI), Emmanuel Alayande University of Education (EAUE), and the Federal University Lokoja.

ASUU branch chairmen articulated a range of grievances during the demonstrations. Professor Idou Keinde of UNILAG accused the government of deliberate neglect, asserting that its refusal to address ASUU’s issues was pushing the union towards another strike. Dr. Angulu Haruna of ATBU expressed frustration over “government deception,” demanding the payment of three and a half months' withheld salaries and four years of promotion arrears. He also rejected the Tertiary Institutions Students Support Fund (TISSF) loan scheme, viewing it as a tactic to indebt academics while neglecting sustainable university funding. Professor Lukman Oyewobi from FUT Minna highlighted that Nigerian professors are among the lowest paid in Africa, with some earning less than $350 monthly, and condemned government delay tactics that destabilise campuses.

Professor Pius Mogaji of FUTA accused the government of betraying trust by ignoring the Yayale Ahmed-led renegotiation panel report for over five months. He warned of a strike if the scheduled August 28 meeting yielded no concrete outcomes. Mogaji also criticised the approval of nine new private universities despite an existing moratorium, labelling it “reckless proliferation,” and lamented the “shameful neglect” of retired lecturers who receive meager pensions. Dr. Adefemi Afolabi of UI and Dr. Michael Ojo of EAUE echoed concerns over poor welfare, brain drain, and the government's use of delay tactics, urging Nigerians to pressure the government to sign the renegotiated agreement before August 28. Comrade Kayode Martins, Oyo State NLC chairman, supported the lecturers, emphasizing their crucial role and condemning the disparity in earnings between academics and politicians. In Lokoja, Dr. Jangfa Timothy reiterated demands for withheld salaries, university revitalisation, and the signing of the 2009 agreement, warning of service withdrawal if the August 28 meeting proved unfruitful and noting the strain on staff due to rising student numbers and worsening conditions.

In response to the ongoing tensions, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the Minister of Education, Dr. Olatunji Alausa, to ensure all outstanding issues between the Federal Government and ASUU are resolved permanently. However, Dr. Alausa countered ASUU’s claims regarding the 2009 agreement, clarifying that previous administrations had only drafted agreements with staff unions, which were never formally signed and thus not binding. He denied any scheduled meeting with ASUU leadership, explaining that the government's immediate focus was on internal high-level sessions to meticulously review ASUU’s proposals and prepare a sustainable counter-offer. Alausa emphasized President Tinubu's mandate to find a lasting solution to the ASUU problem, ensuring sustainability for decades to come.

The Minister also disclosed that a seven-member technical team has been established to refine the government’s counter-proposal. This team, chaired by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, includes key officials such as the Solicitor-General of the Federation, Permanent Secretaries of Justice and Labour, the Chairman of the National Salaries, Income and Wages Commission, the Executive Secretaries of NUC and TETFund, and the Director-General of the Budget Office. The Director of University Education will serve as secretary. Alausa stressed the government's commitment to creating constitutional, implementable, and sustainable agreements, moving away from what he termed “bogus agreements” that cannot be funded. He reassured Nigerians of President Tinubu's dedication to keeping universities open and children in school, asserting that the government is actively working towards an honest and truthful resolution, despite acknowledging ASUU’s right to protest.

Students across campuses observed the protests with mixed reactions, with some showing solidarity while others expressed fears of further academic disruptions. With the August 28 deadline approaching, ASUU leaders maintain a unified stance: the government must act decisively to avert another nationwide strike.