The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has vowed to begin a two-week nationwide warning strike if the Federal Government fails to meet its demands by October 13, 2025.
The union had last week issued a two-week ultimatum to the government to address lingering issues, including the signing and implementation of the renegotiated 2009 ASUU-FGN Agreement.
ASUU President, Chris Piwuna, made this known on Monday during an Orientation and Leadership Training themed “Understanding the Principles of the Union” at the Niger Delta University (NDU) Branch in Amassoma, Bayelsa State.
Piwuna stated that the decision to embark on a warning strike was final, stressing that the government’s failure to act would leave the union with no choice. “The warning strike has been declared, and our position will not change. By midnight of Monday, we will begin a two-week warning strike, after which we’ll reconvene to decide on a full and indefinite strike,” he said.
He lamented that the core issues had remained unresolved for years, noting that the re-negotiation of the 2009 agreement has dragged on without results. “We’ve given the government enough time. They promised to respond within three weeks but never did. Nigerians should understand that we are pushed into this situation by the government’s inaction,” he added.
Speaking on the Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), Piwuna faulted the initiative, arguing that student loans are not realistic in the current economic climate. “We told the government we don’t support loans in a depressed economy where unemployment is high and families can’t feed themselves. If the aim is to support education, the funds should be given as grants, not loans,” he said.
He also questioned NELFUND’s reported spending, noting that an agency with fewer than 100 staff should not be spending as much as N14 billion on personnel within a year.
At the same event, ASUU National Financial Secretary, Happiness Uduk, reminded members that the union is known for its integrity, urging them to uphold the principles of transparency and accountability.
Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Delta State, Professor Ezekiel Agbalagba, emphasized the importance of unity and adherence to ASUU’s founding principles, saying it would help improve the quality of university education.
Vice Chancellor of Niger Delta University, Professor Allen Agih, praised the organisers for holding the training, describing it as vital for strengthening the union’s leadership.
Earlier, ASUU NDU Branch Chairperson, Lucky Bebeteidoh, thanked the national president for his visit and commended members for their active participation and contributions.
