University strike looms as ASUU’s 21-day warning to Federal Government passes

ASUU warns of imminent strike, holds Federal Government responsible for industrial unrest

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has warned that the Nigerian Federal Government will be held responsible for any industrial unrest in public universities. This warning comes after years of unresolved issues leading to strikes, with two significant ones occurring in the past four years. ASUU expressed frustration at the government’s unwillingness to meet both monetary and non-monetary demands, including agreements reached with past administrations. Despite several attempts to engage government officials, including President Tinubu, ASUU claims there has been no substantial progress.

After wide consultations, ASUU’s National Executive Council (NEC) met in August 2024, where it issued a 21-day ultimatum to the government, which expired without meaningful action from the authorities. ASUU emphasized that failure to address their concerns is escalating tension, which could lead to further industrial disharmony across Nigeria’s public universities.

The union also highlighted that this situation echoes the unyielding stance of the previous Buhari administration, continuing to jeopardize the stability of the university system.