The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has reaffirmed its decision to embark on a two-week nationwide warning strike if the Federal Government does not meet its demands on or before October 13, 2025.
This follows a two-week ultimatum issued last week, urging the government to address long-standing issues, including the renegotiated 2009 ASUU-FGN Agreement.
Union’s Position Remains Firm
Speaking on Monday at an Orientation and Leadership Training held at ASUU’s Niger Delta University (NDU) branch in Amassoma, Bayelsa State, ASUU President, Chris Piwuna, said the union would not reconsider its decision.
“The warning strike has been issued and we are not meeting to discuss that again as a union. By midnight of Monday, we will embark on the two-week warning strike. After that, we will meet to decide when to begin an indefinite and comprehensive strike action,” Piwuna declared.
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He explained that the issues have lingered for years despite repeated negotiations. “We have given the government enough time. Imagine they promised to get back to us in three weeks and never did. Nigerians should understand that government’s inaction always forces us into strikes.”
ASUU Rejects Student Loan Scheme
Piwuna also criticized the Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), insisting that loans in a depressed economy would only worsen the burden on families.
“In an economy where unemployment is high and families can barely feed, how do they expect repayment? If government truly wants to help, they should give grants, not loans.”
He further noted troubling reports from NELFUND:
- Spending ₦14 billion on personnel despite having less than 100 staff.
- Allocating huge funds to structures while universities with over 1,000 staff cannot afford the same.
“These figures prove that our position on NELFUND was right from the beginning,” he added.
Calls for Integrity and Unity
ASUU National Financial Secretary, Happiness Uduk, reminded members that ASUU is a “union of intellectuals with integrity” and urged them to uphold transparency and accountability at all times.
Meanwhile, Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Delta State, Ezekiel Agbalagba, emphasized the need for collaboration among members. He encouraged adherence to the ASUU work guide, originally compiled by former President Comrade Festus Iyayi.
At the event, the Vice Chancellor of Niger Delta University, Allen Agih, praised the training initiative and appealed for its continuation, while the ASUU NDU Branch Chairperson, Lucky Bebeteidoh, thanked the national leadership for their support.
What’s Next?
ASUU has made it clear: unless the government addresses its concerns before October 13, academic activities across Nigerian universities will be disrupted.
The union insists that it is fighting not only for lecturers’ welfare but also for the future of higher education in Nigeria.
Credit: Allschool, Allcbt
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