The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has commenced mobilizing its members for a potential industrial action.The union indicated that this step follows the Federal Government’s inaction despite receiving a notification of strike directed to all pertinent authorities, including the Minister of Labour and Employment, Maigari Dingyadi.
Last Monday, ASUU declared its intent to close down all public universities to reinforce its demands. The notice, effective from Sunday, September 28, 2025, will initiate with a two-week warning strike, potentially leading to a full and indefinite strike if the government does not respond.In a recent correspondence dated October 5, 2025, and signed by its president, Prof. Chris Piwuna, ASUU reiterated its decision to halt university operations, attributing the move to governmental inaction.
He stated,
The National Executive Council (NEC) of our Union, in its urgent meeting on September 29, 2025, having assessed the outcomes of the referendum conducted across our branches, decided to grant the government a fourteen-day ultimatum to resolve the issues outlined in the negotiated document that has been submitted to the government since February 2025.“It was also concluded that the union will embark on a two-week warning strike upon the expiry of the ultimatum if the government fails to undertake acceptable and satisfactory measures to address the enduring concerns.
“The resolutions were promptly communicated to the Honourable Minister of Labour, the Honourable Minister of Education, and the Nigeria Labour Congress.“It has now been a week since those resolutions were formulated and conveyed to the appropriate authorities. I regret to announce that there has been no significant progress worthy of any consideration to report.
“As we approach the second and final week of the ultimatum, I express gratitude on behalf of NEC for the patience and understanding you have shown since the inception of this arduous negotiation that has unjustifiably endured for over eight years.“The objective of our current action primarily aims to compel the Government to endorse and implement the renegotiated agreement document, among other demands.
“The forthcoming days demand the mobilization of every union member to ensure a united purpose. No individual should be excluded from the fight for our welfare, curb the Jupa syndrome, and reposition the Nigerian University System (NUS) for global competitiveness.“We are strengthened through organization, but weakened through lamentation! Our Union has consistently acted in solidarity as a unified force; this endeavor will be no exception.
“Members are to take directives solely from their Chairpersons. If there is uncertainty, members should consult their Chairpersons, Zonal Coordinators, and regularly attend Congress meetings for updates on further developments.