ASUU Declares Two-Week Warning Strike Over Unmet Demands Begin Oct 13

ASUU Declares Two-Week Warning Strike | The Academic Staff Union of Universities ASUU has declared a two-week nationwide warning strike beginning October 13, 2025, to protest unfulfilled government agreements and poor funding of public universities. Learn what it means for students and Nigeria’s education system.

ASUU Declares Two-Week Warning Strike

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has announced a two-week warning strike starting Monday, October 13, 2025, to protest the Federal Government’s failure to meet key agreements made with the union.

The decision followed a National Executive Council (NEC) meeting where members expressed frustration over the government’s “deliberate neglect” of issues affecting lecturers and the university system.

Why ASUU Is Going on Strike

ASUU says the strike is about more than unpaid salaries — it’s about saving Nigeria’s public universities from collapse.

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Here are the major issues fueling the decision:

1. Unfulfilled Agreements:
   The Federal Government is yet to implement parts of the 2022/2023 renegotiated MoU, especially those on funding and staff welfare.
2. Inadequate Funding:
   Public universities continue to face poor infrastructure, inadequate facilities, and low funding compared to international standards.
3. Salary Structure and Arrears:
   Lecturers demand a fair wage review and payment of withheld salaries from previous strikes.
4. Opposition to Student Loan Policy:
   ASUU insists that student loans will increase hardship and is advocating for scholarships and grants instead.

Duration and What to Expect

The strike is set to last for two weeks, during which:

• All academic activities will be suspended.
• Research and lectures will be put on hold.
• Students may remain on campus but without active classes.

ASUU says it will review the situation after the two weeks and decide whether to call off or escalate the action.

Reactions Across Campuses

Students:
Many students have expressed disappointment, saying the frequent strikes are frustrating.

“We understand the lecturers’ struggles, but the endless strikes keep wasting our time,” — said a student at the University of Lagos.

Government:
The Federal Ministry of Education has appealed for calm, assuring Nigerians that talks are ongoing to resolve the dispute.

ASUU Leadership:
National President, Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke, said the strike is a “warning shot” and not a full-blown shutdown. He added that if the government remains unresponsive, a total strike may follow.

What This Means for Students

If unresolved, this could once again:

• Delay academic calendars.
• Postpone convocation ceremonies and exams.
• Increase pressure on final-year and postgraduate students.
• Deepen uncertainty in public universities.

The Way Forward

Experts suggest the government and ASUU need to:

• Honor all signed agreements.
• Increase education funding to global standards.
• Maintain open communication with academic unions.

Without decisive action, the cycle of strikes will continue — hurting both students and Nigeria’s reputation in global academia.

Final Thoughts

ASUU’s latest warning strike is both a protest and a plea — a reminder that Nigeria’s university system is at a crossroads.
The coming days will reveal whether the government will act swiftly to restore stability and trust in higher education.

Until then, students, parents, and staff wait — again — for a lasting solution.