ASUU gives 21 state universities 14 days to avert strike

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has issued a 14-day ultimatum to 21 state-owned universities over alleged failure to implement key provisions of the 2025 agreement reached with the Federal Government.

The union warned that affected universities could face industrial action if the outstanding issues are not resolved within the two-week deadline.

The decision was taken at ASUU’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held at the University of Abuja on Saturday and Sunday.

In a statement signed by ASUU President, Prof. Christopher Piwuna, the union accused relevant authorities of “haphazard implementation” of the 2025 Federal Government-ASUU agreement.

ASUU said the situation was particularly serious in several state-owned universities, where university visitors had allegedly failed to implement provisions of the agreement.

It said the affected branches had sought NEC’s approval to begin the process of industrial action, prompting the council to authorise them to issue 14-day ultimatums to their respective university authorities.

The affected institutions include Nasarawa State University, Keffi; Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai; University of Medical Sciences, Ondo; Gombe State University; Plateau State University, Bokkos; Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba; Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma; Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology, Okitipupa; Abia State University, Uturu; and University of Education and Entrepreneurship, Akamkpa.

Others are Emmanuel Alayande University of Education, Oyo; Kaduna State University; Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology, Wudil; Northwest University, Kano; Enugu State University of Science and Technology; Imo State University, Owerri; Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island; University of Africa, Toru-Orua; Bayelsa Medical University, Yenagoa; and Taraba State University, Jalingo.

According to ASUU, the ultimatum serves as a precondition for the affected branches to commence formal strike procedures if the disputes remain unresolved.

The union said branches in its Sokoto Zone had already issued a similar 14-day ultimatum, while NEC would meet in an emergency session between late August and early September to review developments and decide on further action.

ASUU also reaffirmed its “No-pay-No-work” position, directing branches in federal universities where members’ salaries had been withheld or underpaid to take appropriate action.

The union cited some universities, including institutions of agriculture, where members were allegedly paid incomplete salaries.

On the National Education Repository Databank (NERD), ASUU maintained its opposition to the initiative, saying outstanding concerns over its hosting arrangements and intellectual property rights must be addressed.

The union also resolved to establish an ASUU Independent Monitoring Group to observe elections across the country and encouraged its members to participate actively in the political process.

The NEC meeting also considered growing insecurity on university campuses. ASUU expressed concern over attacks and other security incidents that had resulted in the deaths of some of its members.

It directed affected branches to work with the police and other security agencies to pursue justice for victims and document cases of insecurity for presentation to NEC for further action.