NLC Holds Crucial Meeting With ASUU, SSANU, Others Over Ongoing Nationwide University Strike

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has begun a closed-door meeting with leaders of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) to address the ongoing strike crippling academic activities across the country.

The meeting, held at the NLC national headquarters in Abuja, also included representatives from the Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union (COEASU), the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP), and the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Polytechnics (SSANIP). The NLC had earlier invited all tertiary institution union leaders to explore lasting solutions following the breakdown of negotiations with the Federal Government.

Nigeria’s higher education system has faced repeated disruptions, with the latest strike leading to the closure of universities nationwide. ASUU President, Professor Chris Piwuna, announced the industrial action on Sunday after the expiration of a 14-day ultimatum issued to the government on September 28, citing unresolved issues of unpaid salaries, poor infrastructure, and the non-implementation of the 2009 ASUU-FGN agreement.

Although the Federal Government claimed progress through the release of ₦50 billion for earned allowances and ₦150 billion budgeted for needs assessment in 2025, ASUU dismissed the measures as insufficient. The union insists on full implementation of past agreements, settlement of salary arrears, improved funding for universities, and protection of members from victimisation.

The NLC has reiterated its solidarity with ASUU and other education unions, urging the Federal Government to respect its commitments. The outcome of today’s meeting is expected to shape the unions’ next steps toward restoring stability in Nigeria’s tertiary education system.