ASUU Begins 18th Strike in 26 Years, Accuses FG of Neglect

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has commenced its 18th industrial action in 26 years, accusing the Federal Government of failing to address long-standing issues affecting public universities.

ASUU President, Prof. Christopher Piwuna, announced the start of a two-week “total and comprehensive strike” during a press conference on Sunday in Abuja. He directed members nationwide to suspend academic activities effective from 12:01 a.m. on Monday, October 14, 2025.

Piwuna said the decision followed the Federal Government’s inability to meet the Union’s seven-point demands despite several promises and meetings. According to him, ASUU had exercised patience for months, but the government’s continued indifference forced the Union’s hand.

“The government has been making empty promises without taking concrete steps. After the two-week ultimatum expired, we waited, but nothing happened. We have now reached a point where action is the only language left,” Piwuna stated.

The Union’s demands include the renegotiation of the 2009 ASUU-FGN agreement, revitalisation of public universities, improved funding, payment of outstanding salary arrears, promotion arrears, and settlement of third-party deductions. ASUU is also calling for an end to the victimisation of its members at Lagos State University, Prince Abubakar Audu University, and the Federal University of Technology, Owerri.

Piwuna accused the government of insincerity and manipulation, describing its approach as “a game of endless appeals without action.” He warned that ASUU would review the situation at the end of the two-week warning strike to determine its next line of action.

“This strike is total and comprehensive. All branches have been directed to withdraw their services until further notice,” he said, urging Nigerians and civil society groups to prevail on the government to resolve the crisis permanently.

The Guardian reports that the latest action marks ASUU’s 18th strike since 1999. The Union’s industrial actions have often centred on issues such as poor university funding, unpaid entitlements, poor working conditions, and unfulfilled agreements with the government.

Previous strikes were recorded in 1999, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2020, and 2022.

ASUU called on the Federal Government to seize this opportunity to address the root causes of the crisis to avoid further disruptions in the nation’s tertiary education system.