ASUU GIVES 14-DAY ULTIMATUM TO GOVERNMENT, THREATENS STRIKE IN 20 UNIVERSITIES

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has issued a 14-day ultimatum to the Federal Government, affected state governments and university authorities over the alleged failure to fully implement the 2025 FGN-ASUU Agreement.

The union has directed its branches in 20 universities to prepare for possible industrial action if the outstanding issues are not resolved before the expiration of the ultimatum.

The development was disclosed following ASUU's National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held at the University of Abuja on August 8 and 9, 2026.

According to the union, the affected branches are expected to commence strike action immediately after the 14-day ultimatum expires if the demands are not adequately addressed.

ASUU THREATENS STRIKE OVER 2025 AGREEMENT

Speaking on the development, the President of ASUU, Prof. Christopher Piwuna, stated that the union was concerned about what it described as the haphazard implementation of the 2025 agreement.

The agreement, which was signed in December 2025 after several years of negotiations, contains provisions covering lecturers' salaries, allowances, research funding, welfare, infrastructure and the general funding of public universities.

ASUU alleged that the implementation of the agreement has been inconsistent, with some universities receiving only part of the benefits contained in the agreement while other institutions are yet to implement several provisions.

The union has therefore given the affected governments and university authorities 14 days to address the outstanding issues.

20 UNIVERSITIES AFFECTED

ASUU said its directive affects branches in 20 universities across the country.

Some of the universities mentioned include:

• Nasarawa State University
• Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University
• Gombe State University
• Plateau State University
• Adekunle Ajasin University
• Ambrose Alli University
• Abia State University
• Kaduna State University
• Imo State University
• Niger Delta University
• Taraba State University
• Northwest University, Kano

Other affected universities are also expected to take necessary steps in line with the directive issued by the union.

WHAT IS THE 2025 FGN-ASUU AGREEMENT ABOUT?

The 2025 FGN-ASUU Agreement was reached after prolonged negotiations between the Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities.

The agreement was designed to address several challenges affecting academic staff and public universities in Nigeria.

Among the issues covered are:

• Academic staff remuneration
• Allowances and welfare
• Research funding
• University infrastructure
• Funding of public universities
• Academic promotions
• Conditions of service

The agreement also provided for a 40 per cent increase in academic staff remuneration, alongside new allowances including the Consolidated Academic Tools Allowance.

However, ASUU maintains that the implementation of the agreement has not been satisfactory.

ASUU RAISES CONCERNS OVER UNIVERSITY FUNDING

The union also blamed delays in releasing government funds for the incomplete implementation of some provisions of the agreement.

According to ASUU, the situation has affected different universities in different ways, with some institutions reportedly receiving only portions of the agreed benefits.

The union also raised concerns about academic promotions and appointments, as well as the general welfare of lecturers.

In addition, ASUU expressed concern over the issue of insecurity on university campuses and directed affected branches to report security incidents involving members to the appropriate authorities.

EMERGENCY ASUU NEC MEETING EXPECTED

ASUU President, Prof. Christopher Piwuna, disclosed that an emergency NEC meeting would be held towards the end of August or early September 2026.

The meeting is expected to review the government's response to the ultimatum and determine the union's next course of action.

If the outstanding issues remain unresolved after the ultimatum, the affected branches may proceed with industrial action in accordance with the directive.

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR STUDENTS

The development has raised concerns among students, particularly those in the affected universities, as a possible strike could disrupt academic activities if the dispute is not resolved.

However, students are advised not to panic or rely on unverified information circulating on social media.

Students should continue attending lectures and carrying out their academic activities as scheduled until their respective university authorities or ASUU branch announces otherwise.

CONCLUSION

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has issued a 14-day ultimatum to the Federal Government, affected state governments and university authorities over the alleged incomplete implementation of the 2025 FGN-ASUU Agreement.

The union has directed its branches in 20 universities to prepare for possible industrial action if the outstanding issues are not resolved before the ultimatum expires.

ASUU is expected to review the situation during an emergency NEC meeting scheduled for the end of August or early September.

Students and members of the university community are therefore advised to remain calm and follow official updates as discussions between ASUU and the affected governments continue.