ASUU Warns FG, States Over Possible Fresh Strike Following Delay in 2025 Agreement Implementation

The Academic Staff Union of Universities has warned that Nigeria’s public university system could witness another round of industrial action if the Federal Government and state governments fail to properly implement the December 2025 agreement reached with the union.

The warning was issued at the end of the union’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held at Modibbo Adama University on May 9 and 10, 2026.

According to ASUU, the implementation of the agreement signed with the Federal Government has been “distorted and uncoordinated,” raising concerns among members of the union nationwide.

ASUU Expresses Dissatisfaction Over Agreement Implementation

In a statement released by the ASUU President, Chris Piwuna, the union explained that it had deliberately remained silent since the signing and public presentation of the agreement in January 2026.

However, after reviewing the level of implementation and unresolved issues affecting university lecturers, the union said it became necessary to address the public.

According to the statement, the momentum generated after the unveiling of the 2025 FGN-ASUU Agreement on January 14, 2026, is gradually fading due to the government's inability to fully implement the agreement as promised.

ASUU warned that if urgent steps are not taken, the progress achieved through years of negotiations could be lost.

Union Blames Delay on Lack of Monitoring Committee

The union blamed part of the implementation problems on the Federal Government’s failure to inaugurate the Implementation Monitoring Committee.

According to ASUU, the committee was expected to supervise and ensure proper execution of all aspects of the agreement.

The union alleged that both federal and state authorities have implemented parts of the agreement inconsistently, while only a few state governments have shown commitment to compliance.

Concerns Over Allowances and Salary Structure

ASUU also accused administrators of federal universities of selectively implementing some financial components of the agreement.

The union specifically mentioned:

• Consolidated Academic Allowances
• Earned Academic Allowances
• Professorial Allowances

According to ASUU, these components were meant to be fully integrated into the Consolidated Academic Salary Structure and not implemented partially.

The union maintained that selective implementation could create further dissatisfaction among lecturers across Nigerian universities.

State Governments Also Accused of Non-Compliance

The union criticised several state governments for allegedly refusing to implement the agreement despite participating in negotiations leading to the final deal.

ASUU stressed that all parties involved in the agreement are expected to fulfill their obligations to avoid creating unnecessary tension within the university system.

The union reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the welfare and interests of its members after what it described as an eight-year negotiation process spanning from 2017 to 2025.

ASUU Reacts to Research Funding Proposal

The union also expressed reservations about the Federal Government’s proposed National Research Council and the recently announced National Research and Innovation Development Fund.

ASUU argued that the proposal does not align with the provisions contained in the 2025 agreement.

According to the union, the agreement recommended that at least *1 percent of Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP)* should be dedicated to research, innovation, and development in the education sector.

The union further questioned the proposed $500 million funding structure and sought clarification regarding the source of the funds, especially amid concerns about possible external borrowing.

Outstanding Welfare Issues Still Unresolved

ASUU also highlighted several unresolved welfare issues affecting lecturers in public universities across the country.

The union listed the following outstanding concerns:

• Salary arrears
• Promotion arrears
• Unremitted deductions
• Salary shortfalls under the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS)
• Withheld salaries from the 2022 ASUU strike

The union lamented that many lecturers are still facing financial difficulties because these issues remain unresolved despite repeated discussions with the government.

Concern Over Pension Delays

ASUU further criticised the delay in pension payments affecting retired lecturers, especially those in state universities.

The union accused the National Pension Commission of delaying the harmonization of retirement benefits for university lecturers.

According to ASUU, retired academics who devoted years of service to the education sector deserve prompt and fair treatment regarding their pensions and retirement entitlements.

Contradiction to Earlier Government Assurances

The latest warning from ASUU appears to contradict earlier assurances made by the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa.

In March 2026, the minister had declared that the era of strikes in Nigerian tertiary institutions was permanently over.

He assured students, parents, and stakeholders that universities and polytechnics across the country would remain open without disruptions.

However, ASUU’s latest position suggests that unresolved issues between the union and the government may still threaten stability within the nation’s university system.

Students and Stakeholders Express Concern

The possibility of another industrial action has already generated concern among students, parents, and education stakeholders who fear another disruption to the academic calendar.

Many Nigerians continue to express concern over the frequent strike actions in public universities, which have affected academic activities over the years.

Stakeholders have urged both ASUU and the government to prioritize dialo