ASUU had directed its branches nationwide to prepare for the industrial action, citing the government’s failure to address longstanding demands affecting university lecturers.

The development comes amid ongoing negotiations between the union and the Ministry of Education. Last Wednesday, Minister of Education Dr. Tunji Alausa said the government had reached the final phase of discussions with ASUU and other unions to resolve key issues, including funding, welfare, and implementation of the 2009 ASUU-FGN agreement.

Alausa highlighted that the Tinubu administration had already disbursed ₦50 billion for Earned Academic Allowances and included ₦150 billion in the 2025 budget for a needs assessment, to be paid in three installments. He also said promotion arrears and other outstanding allowances such as teaching and wage awards were being addressed, with full clearance expected by 2026.

“They [lecturers] deserve to be paid well, and our academic and non-academic staff deserve improved welfare,” Alausa stated. “But we can’t give everything at once. What matters is our sincerity and commitment to substantial improvements in their conditions.”

He urged the unions to be patient and continue with dialogue instead of resorting to strike actions.

For the first time, Alausa revealed, the Solicitor-General of the Federation and officials from the Ministry of Justice are involved in the negotiations to ensure legal soundness and enforceability of any new agreements.

However, ASUU President Prof. Chris Piwuna criticized the ministry’s “habitual delays” in addressing critical issues.

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“The ultimatum expires on Sunday. After that, there will be a warning strike unless something substantial comes from the government,” Piwuna said. “If we get something tangible in the next 48 hours, we’ll consult our members and decide the next steps.”

Sources in several federal universities including the University of Jos, Ahmadu Bello University, and the University of Abuja confirmed to our correspondent that local ASUU chapters have already begun mobilizing for the strike.

At the University of Jos, ASUU leadership reportedly held strategy meetings with other union leaders to solidify support.

Source: Punch