College professors launch strike on Monday

Academic Staff Union of Universities Prepares for Warning Strike

Members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) are preparing to launch a two-week warning strike on Monday, as the union’s ultimatum to the Federal Government expires. This comes after the government failed to respond to the union's demands, which have been ongoing for some time.

The warning strike is expected to be the first step in a series of industrial actions that could disrupt university operations across Nigeria. ASUU has instructed its branches to prepare for this action, despite ongoing negotiations between the union and the government.

Ongoing Negotiations and Government Progress

Despite the imminent strike, the government continues to engage in talks with ASUU and other unions. On Wednesday, Dr. Tunji Alausa, the Minister of Education, revealed that the Tinubu administration had made significant progress in addressing key issues such as welfare, funding, and the implementation of the 2009 ASUU-FGN Agreement.

Alausa highlighted that N50 billion had already been released for the payment of Earned Academic Allowances, while an additional N150 billion was allocated in the 2025 budget for needs assessment, to be disbursed in three tranches. He emphasized that the government is committed to improving the conditions of academic and non-academic staff, but stressed that not all demands can be met immediately.

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

He also mentioned that promotion arrears and other outstanding allowances, including teaching and wage awards, had been addressed, with remaining obligations to be cleared by 2026.

Calls for Dialogue and Patience

Reiterating the government’s commitment to sustainable peace in the education sector, Alausa urged the unions to exercise patience and embrace dialogue instead of resorting to strikes.

“We have resolved many of these issues, and we are at the final stage — the condition of service,” he said. “This government is sincere and has demonstrated that over the last two years. Please bear with us.”

Alausa also revealed that, for the first time, the Solicitor-General of the Federation and officials from the Ministry of Justice were directly involved in the negotiation process to ensure legal soundness and enforceability of any agreements reached.

ASUU’s Response and Concerns

However, ASUU President, Prof. Chris Piwuna, criticized the Ministry of Education for what he described as habitual delays in addressing critical issues affecting university lecturers. He stated that the union’s ultimatum expired on Sunday, and unless the government provides something substantial, a warning strike will proceed.

“We expect to receive something substantial from the government in the next 48 hours,” Piwuna said. “Then, we can go back to our members and ask, ‘Do you think this is sufficient for us to hold on?’ and we will do what our members ask us to do.”

Mobilization for Strike Begins

Sources from several federal universities, including the University of Jos, Ahmadu Bello University, and the University of Abuja, confirmed that mobilization for the strike has already begun. At the University of Jos, ASUU leadership met with union leaders to gain support for the impending action.

No Comments from Ministry of Education

When contacted, the Ministry of Education spokesperson, Folasade Boriowo, declined to make any comments on the matter.

This situation highlights the growing tension between the government and university lecturers, with both sides seemingly at an impasse. The outcome of these negotiations will likely determine the future of higher education in Nigeria.