A familiar drama Nigerians are used to has started playing out in the education sector.
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has made good its threat to embark on a two-week nationwide warning strike, accusing the Federal Government of failing to address long-standing issues affecting Nigerian public universities.
But the Federal Government has told its side of the story, pleading with the university teachers to shelves the strike for the sake of the students.
The strike, announced on Sunday, October 12, 2025, will take effect from midnight, Monday, October 13, impacting academic activities across all federal and state universities in the country.
ASUU National President, Professor Chris Piwuna, disclosed the decision during a press conference held at the University of Abuja. He said the action follows the federal government’s failure to respond meaningfully to the union’s demands, despite a 14-day ultimatum issued on September 28.
“The strike will be total and comprehensive,” Prof. Piwuna stated, adding that it reflects the resolution of ASUU’s most recent National Executive Council (NEC) meeting. According to him, all union chapters have been directed to fully withdraw services for the duration of the strike.
ASUU’s demands include improvements in working conditions, university autonomy, and the implementation of agreements previously reached with the government.
Federal Government Urges ASUU to Reconsider, Warns Against Strike
In response, the Federal Government has appealed to ASUU to shelve its planned strike, insisting that dialogue remains the most viable path to resolution.
A statement titled “FGN Reaffirms Commitment to Dialogue, Urges ASUU to Shelve Strike in the Interest of Students” was released on Sunday by Boriowo Folasade, Director of Press and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Education.
The statement, jointly signed by the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, and Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Sa’id Ahmad, revealed that the government has made a “comprehensive offer” to ASUU and is awaiting an official response from the union.
The offer, the ministers said, addresses major concerns including working conditions, governance issues, and staff welfare. They highlighted that the Tinubu administration has approved a revised Teaching Allowance aimed at motivating academic staff.
“All matters relating to conditions of service have been addressed, save for those under the purview of individual university governing councils,” the statement noted. It urged ASUU to allow institutions to handle internal governance issues in line with established regulations.
The ministers also warned that the “No Work, No Pay” policy remains in effect and could be enforced should the union proceed with the strike.
“While the government remains committed to peaceful dialogue, it will equally enforce existing laws to protect the integrity of our education system,” the statement read.
The federal government reiterated its commitment to revitalising higher education, improving staff welfare, and ensuring uninterrupted academic calendars, adding that continued dialogue remains the key to lasting solutions.
“Our children’s future and the stability of our universities must take priority over disputes,” the ministers said, expressing confidence that issues can still be resolved without resorting to industrial action.
With the strike set to begin on Monday, tensions are rising among students and parents, who fear another disruption to the academic calendar. ASUU maintains that the strike is necessary to compel the government to honour past agreements. The federal government, meanwhile, says progress has been made and that further negotiations are possible—if the strike is called off.
As the standoff continues, all eyes are now on ASUU and the federal government to find a resolution that prevents yet another prolonged shutdown of Nigeria’s university system.
