Members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) are expected to commence a two-week warning strike on Monday, unless a last-minute resolution is reached with the Federal Government.
The action follows the expiration of a two-week ultimatum issued to the government to address long-standing demands from university lecturers. By Sunday night, the government had not made any public response to the looming strike.
ASUU had instructed its branches nationwide to prepare for the industrial action, reflecting growing frustration despite ongoing negotiations aimed at preventing disruptions in the nation’s tertiary institutions.
Speaking in Abuja on Wednesday, the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, said the government was in the final stages of talks with ASUU and other university unions over welfare, funding, and the implementation of the 2009 ASUU-FGN Agreement.
Alausa highlighted progress already made, including the release of N50 billion for Earned Academic Allowances and the allocation of N150 billion in the 2025 budget for needs assessment, to be released in three tranches.
“They deserve to be paid well, and our academic and non-academic staff deserve improved welfare,” he said. “We cannot deliver everything at once, but our commitment to substantial improvements in their conditions remains unwavering.”
He added that promotion arrears and other outstanding allowances, including teaching and wage awards, had been addressed, with remaining obligations expected to be cleared by 2026. Alausa urged the unions to prioritize dialogue over strikes and emphasized the government’s commitment to lasting peace in the education sector.
For the first time, he noted, officials from the Ministry of Justice, including the Solicitor-General of the Federation, have been involved directly in the negotiation process to ensure agreements are legally binding and enforceable.
ASUU president, Prof. Chris Piwuna, criticised the Ministry of Education for habitual delays in addressing key issues affecting lecturers.
“The ultimatum expires on Sunday, and after that, a warning strike will begin unless the government presents something substantial,” he said. “Within the next 48 hours, we expect a meaningful response; then we’ll consult our members on whether to hold off or proceed.”
Preparations for the strike are reportedly already underway at several federal universities, including the University of Jos, Ahmadu Bello University, and the University of Abuja. At the University of Jos, ASUU leaders met with branch executives to rally support for the planned action.
The Ministry of Education spokesperson, Folasade Boriowo, declined to comment when contacted about the strike.
