ASUU-FG Talks Collapse as CONUA Distances Itself from Strike

The long-standing crisis between the Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has deepened as the union embarked on its 18th strike in 26 years, citing government failure to meet its demands on university funding, staff welfare, and conditions of service.

At a press briefing in Abuja, ASUU President, Prof. Christopher Piwuna, announced the commencement of a two-week “total strike” effective 12:01 a.m. on Monday, October 13, 2025. He accused the Federal Government of neglecting the union’s seven-point demand and paying lip service to its commitments.

The strike follows the expiration of ASUU’s two-week ultimatum to the government. According to Piwuna, several meetings with government representatives failed to yield tangible results, prompting the union to suspend academic activities nationwide.

However, the Federal Government has expressed disappointment over ASUU’s action, describing it as unnecessary and premature. Education Minister, Dr. Tunji Alausa, and Minister of State, Prof. Suwaiba Ahmad, said in a joint statement that the government had made a “comprehensive offer” to the union addressing major concerns, including improved conditions of service, institutional governance, and enhanced teaching allowances.

The statement, signed by the ministry’s spokesperson, Folasade Boriowo, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to dialogue but warned that the “no work, no pay” policy remains in force. It stressed that while the Tinubu administration values academic work and has demonstrated goodwill, it “will not abdicate its responsibility to ensure accountability in the use of public resources.”

Meanwhile, the Congress of University Academics (CONUA) has distanced itself from the strike. Its National President, Dr. ‘Niyi Sunmonu, stated that CONUA has no reason to join ASUU, noting that dialogue with the Yayale Ahmed-led renegotiation committee is ongoing.

Sources within the Ministry of Education revealed that the government negotiating team, led by Senator Lekan Tejuoso in the absence of Dr. Yayale Ahmed, had scheduled a final meeting with ASUU before the union abruptly announced its strike. The government insists the strike was “pre-planned” and not a result of failed talks.

“The government showed good faith, the President approved concessions, and the panel was ready to meet. But ASUU declined a face-to-face meeting and went ahead with its strike,” a senior official said.

This latest action marks ASUU’s 18th strike since 1999, continuing a cycle of disruptions in Nigeria’s public universities. Previous strikes occurred in 1999, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2020, and 2022, all linked to demands for better funding, improved salaries, and the implementation of renegotiated agreements.

The Federal Government says it remains open to continued engagement once ASUU formally responds to its latest offer.