The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has raised alarm over a possible nationwide strike, urging the National Assembly, religious leaders, traditional rulers, and students to prevail on the Federal Government to address its lingering demands.
Speaking at a press conference at the Federal University Oye-Ekiti, the ASUU Akure Zonal Coordinator, Prof. Adeola Egbedokun, accused the administration of President Bola Tinubu of neglecting the union’s issues since assuming office two years ago.
According to him, lecturers’ patience has been stretched to the limit due to the government’s failure to implement the 2009 ASUU-FGN Agreement, provide sustainable university funding, pay outstanding salary arrears, resolve stagnated promotions, remit third-party deductions, and stop the victimisation of lecturers.
“If the government chooses provocation over responsibility, it must be ready to face the consequences,” Egbedokun warned.
He added that while ASUU noted the government’s planned meeting on August 28, 2025, time was fast running out, and only urgent action could prevent another shutdown of Nigerian universities.
Egbedokun also faulted the government for ignoring the Yayale Ahmed-led renegotiation report submitted in February 2025, calling it a betrayal of trust. He further rejected the recently introduced student loan policy, describing it as a “sinister trap” that would push lecturers into debt and weaken cooperative societies.
ASUU members in the Akure zone have already staged peaceful rallies on their campuses, signaling readiness for tougher actions if the Federal Government remains unresponsive.
Key Takeaway
- ASUU demands full implementation of agreements, improved funding, and payment of arrears.
- Union warns that patience is exhausted, and strike action may be imminent.
- Stakeholders, including NASS, NANS, and traditional rulers, have been called to intervene.
If unresolved, Nigeria may face another round of academic disruptions, affecting millions of students nationwide.
