Tension is rising across Nigeria’s public universities as the 14-day ultimatum issued by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to the Federal Government expires today.
The union had on September 28 warned that it would take decisive action if the government failed to address lingering issues affecting the nation’s university system.
However, as the deadline ends, ASUU President, Professor Chris Piwuna, remained tight-lipped on the union’s next move, telling reporters, “No comment.”
Reliable sources within the union disclosed that the National Executive Council (NEC) is expected to meet immediately after the ultimatum lapses to determine ASUU’s next steps. The union had earlier begun full mobilisation of its members across campuses, hinting at a possible strike.
ASUU accused the Federal Government of showing “continued silence and lack of commitment” to resolving critical matters, including the signing and implementation of a renegotiated agreement submitted since February 2025.
In a circular to all branches, the NEC said it reached the decision to issue the ultimatum during an emergency meeting on September 29, 2025, after reviewing referendum results from its various chapters.
Despite officially communicating its resolutions to the Ministers of Labour and Education, as well as the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the union said the government had failed to respond.
Professor Piwuna, in an earlier statement, expressed frustration over the government’s inaction, saying, “I regret to inform you that there is no meaningful development deserving of any consideration to be reported.”
ASUU’s demands include the implementation of the 2022 renegotiated agreement, improved funding for public universities, and the payment of outstanding earned academic allowances.
With the ultimatum now expired, uncertainty clouds the academic calendar once again, as students and staff brace for what could be another nationwide strike.
