ASUU Threatens Nationwide Strike Over Unmet Demands, Urges Urgent Government Action

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has urged critical stakeholders, including the National Assembly, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and students, to prevail upon the Federal Government to avert a looming nationwide strike by university lecturers.

Professor Adeola Egbedokun, the Zonal Coordinator of ASUU’s Akure Zone, voiced the union’s deep frustration on Tuesday during a press conference held at the Federal University Oye Ekiti. He lamented the persistent neglect of ASUU’s demands by President Bola Tinubu’s administration since taking office two years ago.

Egbedokun accused the Federal Government of ignoring numerous appeals and agitations by ASUU, pushing lecturers to their breaking point. According to him, the union’s demands include the full implementation of the 2009 ASUU-FGN Agreement, proper funding and revitalisation of public universities, payment of outstanding salary arrears (25–35%), long-overdue promotions, unremitted third-party deductions, and an end to the victimisation of union members in some institutions.

“If the government continues down this path of neglect, we will have no choice but to fight back,” Egbedokun warned. “The consequences will be severe unless urgent steps are taken. Our patience has run out, and the government must act decisively to rebuild the trust it has broken.”

He confirmed that while ASUU acknowledges a scheduled meeting with the government on August 28, 2025, time is running out. “All options are on the table,” he said, emphasizing that the Federal Government will bear full responsibility if it chooses provocation over dialogue.

Egbedokun called on respected bodies such as the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council, the National Association of Nigerian Students, and the National Assembly to urge the government to avoid an unnecessary crisis. He noted that for more than two years, ASUU has refrained from industrial action in the hope of meaningful dialogue, but the current state of neglect is unsustainable.

“Our members are struggling. Many can’t afford basic necessities, let alone their children’s education. We are frozen in place and insultingly undervalued in the present economy,” he added.

He also criticized the Federal Government’s recently introduced loan policy, warning ASUU members against subscribing to it. He described it as a dangerous trap aimed at weakening their financial independence and undermining their welfare.

Egbedokun revealed that ASUU members across various campuses within the zone held peaceful rallies on Monday to prepare for what could be their next course of action, should the government remain unresponsive.