Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has given the Federal Government just 14 days to take decisive action on unresolved issues plaguing the nation’s public universities—or risk a nationwide shutdown of academic activities.
This warning was delivered through a communiqué released after ASUU’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting, held at Yakubu Gowon University (formerly the University of Abuja).
The statement, signed by ASUU President, Professor Christopher Piwuna, was shared with journalists on Monday in Abuja.
Piwuna did not mince words, expressing deep frustration over what he described as “consistent neglect” by both Federal and State governments of the educational system and the welfare of lecturers.
> “If after 14 days nothing is done, we may have no other option than to commence a two-week warning strike—followed, if necessary, by a full-scale indefinite industrial action,” he warned.
The union says it has exhausted all peaceful avenues—including rallies, public appeals, and extensive media engagements over the past three months—without any meaningful response from authorities.
Among the lingering grievances are:
The stalled renegotiation of the 2009 ASUU-FGN Agreement
Inadequate and unsustainable funding of public universities
Non-payment of 25–35% salary arrears
Delays in promotions, some going back four years
Unremitted third-party deductions
Alleged victimisation of members at LASU, KSU, and FUTO
> “The 14-day ultimatum is not just a deadline—it’s a final call,” Piwuna said. “We urge religious leaders, traditional rulers, parents, and students to speak up. We can’t continue to watch our universities deteriorate.”
He emphasized that ASUU believes the government has both the resources and the capacity to resolve these longstanding issues.
> “As the saying goes, ‘a stitch in time saves nine.’ The time to act is now,” the ASUU President concluded.
With the clock ticking, stakeholders across the country are bracing for what could be yet another disruption in the already strained academic calendar—unless the government responds decisively within the two-week window.
