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Academic activities were grounded in most public universities across the country on Monday following full compliance by members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, with the ongoing two-week warning strike.
DAILY POST reports that ASUU on Monday commenced a two-week warning strike following the expiration of its ultimatum to the government
The renewed face-off between the ASUU and the FG came after negotiations aimed at preventing another prolonged shutdown of public universities failed.
On October 10, the Minister of State for Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, said the government was in the final phase of talks with aggrieved lecturers and other university-based unions to resolve outstanding issues related to welfare, funding, and the implementation of the 2009 ASUU-FGN Agreement.
Alausa noted that the Tinubu administration had made notable progress, including the release of N50 billion for Earned Academic Allowances and the inclusion of N150 billion in the 2025 budget for needs assessment, to be disbursed in three tranches.
But ASUU disclosed after the meeting that the government presented to them a document that was “totally alien to issues discussed at plenary, particularly the item on conditions of service”.
According to ASUU President, Christopher Piwuna the union’s demands include; Conclusion of the renegotiated 2009 FGN/ASUU Agreement based on Nimi Briggs Committee’s Draft Agreement of 2021; the release of withheld three-and-half months’ salaries on account of the 2022 strike action; Release of unpaid salaries of staff on sabbatical, part-time, and adjunct appointments due to the application of the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System, IPPIS.
Others include release of outstanding third-party deductions such as pension deductions, check-off dues, and cooperative contributions; Funding for revitalization of public universities and Payment of arrears of 25% – 35% salary award for 12 months.
The union in a statement on Sunday warned its members across the country that any “violation of this strike action will be met with severe sanctions”.
DAILY POST reports that there was a total compliance across all federal and state universities in Nigeria.
When our correspondent visited the Moses Adasu University Makurdi, Benue State at about 12pm on Monday, all classes were empty while only a few students were seen around the campus.
ASUU strike disrupt exams in universities
Ongoing semester examinations at several universities across the country were disrupted following the industrial dispute.
Some of the affected institutions include, Nasarawa State University, Keffi; the Federal University Dutse, Jigawa State, the University of Benin, Edo State, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, UNN, and the University of Jos, Plateau State.
DAILY POST findings revealed that Bayero University Kano and the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, ATBU in Bauchi State had just concluded their semester examinations, narrowly escaping the two-week strike period.
At the Nasarawa State University, ASUU officials were seen moving from one examination hall to another, compelling students to vacate the halls.
Students lament
One of the stranded students at the Moses Adasu University, Joseph Adoyi who spoke with DAILY POST, lamented that the industrial action has disrupted his plans.
“Actually the strike touched me. I was thinking I would be at 300 level in the next three months but in Nigerian universities, students propose, ASUU disposes.
“All in all we are still on ground hoping that the two-week warning strike would end in those two-weeks.
“At first, I thought the strike would be called off before the day break, especially after seeing the latest news about FG placing a No Pay policy.
“But this morning, it’s a different story when lecturers told us this morning to start going home. I pray it all ends before that two weeks”, he said.
Similarly, a final year student of the Federal University Dutse, in Jigawa State, Mary Ajegba claimed that the incessant industrial action by the university teachers has grossly affected her learning and graduation.
“If not for the ASUU strike, I should be wearing my khaki by now as a corps member but here we are not knowing when we will graduate. They said it’s just two-week. By experience, I don’t see this matter resolved soon.
“This year and next year, 2026 are the best time for them to strike because another election is coming. The only time ASUU embarks on strike is when a new government just comes in.
“How I wish there is another way for these people to resolve their differences instead of tampering with people’s destinies”, she lamented.
We’re ready to resume talk – ASUU President
ASUU President, Prof. Chris Piwuna on Monday said the union is ready to resume talks with the Federal Government, reaffirming the union’s commitment to dialogue as the only path to resolving the lingering industrial dispute.
“Today, I received a call from Alhaji Yayale Ahmed, Chairman of the Federal Government Team, and he’s eager to resume talks with us.
“I also received another call from the Minister of State for Labour, stating that she’s been directed to intervene and get this matter resolved.
“ASUU is willing. We are ready and available to discuss this matter once and for all,” Piwuna said during an interview on Channels TV.
Meanwhile, the FG had directed Vic-Chancellors of all federal universities to immediately stop the remuneration of the striking lecturers.
In a circular dated October 13, 2025, and signed by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, the FG urged the vice-chancellors to enforce the ‘No Work, No Pay’ policy.
ASUU strike grounds academic activities in Nigerian universities
