The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has authorized 20 Nigerian universities to begin preparations for industrial action following alleged delays and incomplete implementation of the 2025 FGN ASUU Agreement
The affected universities have been directed to issue a 14 day ultimatum to the relevant authorities. According to ASUU, the affected branches could proceed with strike action once the ultimatum expires if the outstanding issues are not resolved
The development has raised fresh concerns about stability in Nigeria’s public university system, particularly after the 2025 agreement was expected to address longstanding issues surrounding lecturers’ salaries, allowances, welfare, funding and working conditions
ASUU Gives 20 Universities 14 Day Ultimatum
ASUU reached the decision during its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held at the University of Abuja on August 8 and 9, 2026
Following the meeting, the union directed branches in 20 universities to commence processes that could lead to industrial action
The affected branches are expected to issue a 14 day ultimatum to the government and relevant university authorities. If the issues remain unresolved after the deadline, the branches may proceed with strike action
ASUU President, Prof. Christopher Piwuna, announced the resolution in a statement issued on Monday
The union also disclosed plans to hold an emergency NEC meeting towards the end of August or early September 2026 to review developments and determine further steps
Universities Affected by the ASUU Strike Threat
The 20 universities named by ASUU are:
- 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
- University of Education and Entrepreneurship, Akamkpa
- Emmanuel Alayande University of Education, Oyo
- Kaduna State University
- Kano State University of Science and Technology, Wudil
- Northwest University, Kano
- Enugu State University of Science and Technology
- Imo State University
- Niger Delta University
- University of Africa, Toru Orua
- Bayelsa Medical University
- Taraba State University, Jalingo
ASUU said branches in the Sokoto Zone had already issued a two week ultimatum
Why ASUU Is Threatening Another Strike
The union said its latest decision was driven by what it described as the “haphazard implementation” of the 2025 FGN ASUU Agreement
ASUU also criticized what it described as the Federal Government’s slow approach to releasing the subvention required to fully implement the agreement
According to the union, the agreement represented an important achievement after years of negotiations, but its incomplete implementation could undermine the progress made
The union also raised concerns about state-owned universities where government authorities have allegedly failed to implement key provisions of the agreement
ASUU warned that continued delays could threaten the improvements expected to come from the agreement
What the 2025 FGN ASUU Agreement Contains
The 2025 FGN ASUU Agreement was designed to address some of the longstanding challenges affecting lecturers and public universities across Nigeria
One of its major provisions was a 40 per cent increase in academic staff remuneration, effective from January 1, 2026
The agreement also introduced and reviewed several allowances intended to improve lecturers’ welfare and support academic activities
Consolidated Academic Tools Allowance
The Consolidated Academic Tools Allowance (CATA) was included to support expenses associated with academic work
These include journal publications, membership of professional and learned societies, conferences, internet access and academic books
The agreement also introduced a Professorial Cadre Allowance
Under the arrangement, professors were entitled to N1.74 million annually, equivalent to N145,000 monthly, while readers were to receive N840,000 annually, or N70,000 monthly
Earned Academic Allowances
The agreement also provided for changes to Earned Academic Allowances, including payments associated with postgraduate supervision and other academic responsibilities
Beyond salaries and allowances, the agreement was intended to improve broader areas such as research, infrastructure, institutional development and staff welfare
Implementation Remains a Major Challenge
Despite the expectations surrounding the agreement, ASUU has continued to raise concerns about its implementation
The union previously complained that some universities were only partially implementing the salary component, while others had allegedly not implemented it
ASUU has also expressed concern about delays in establishing an Implementation Monitoring Committee
The committee is expected to play an important role in monitoring compliance and addressing bureaucratic obstacles that could slow down implementation
The latest 14 day ultimatum therefore reflects the growing frustration within the union over what it considers inadequate progress
Another University Strike Could Disrupt Academic Activities
The latest development has renewed concerns among students, parents and university communities about the possibility of another disruption to academic activities
A strike across the affected institutions could potentially affect lectures, examinations, research activities and other academic programs
However, the current development does not mean that all 20 universities have immediately commenced a strike
The affected branches have been instructed to issue the 14 day ultimatum first, meaning there remains an opportunity for the outstanding issues to be addressed before industrial action begins
The planned emergency NEC meeting later in August or early September could also determine the union’s next major step
ASUU Raises Other Concerns Over Nigerian Universities
The union’s NEC meeting also addressed several other issues affecting universities across the country
ASUU discussed concerns relating to academic promotions and appointments in some institutions
At the Federal University Lokoja, the union commended the withdrawal of two professorial appointments following resistance and investigation by the university’s ASUU branch
At the Federal University Wukari, the union expressed concern about the promotion of a former registrar to the professorial cadre
ASUU subsequently directed its branches to oppose the promotion of bursars and registrars who do not meet the professorial promotion requirements applicable to their universities
ASUU Raises Alarm Over Insecurity on Campuses
Insecurity in Nigerian universities was another major concern discussed during the NEC meeting
ASUU expressed alarm over incidents of insecurity on campuses, including cases that had resulted in the deaths of members of the academic community
The union directed affected branches to petition the police and other relevant security agencies
Branches were also asked to document cases of insecurity and submit them to the national leadership of the union
The development highlights concerns that university workers and students may face growing security challenges alongside the existing funding and welfare problems confronting public institutions
What Happens After the 14 Day Ultimatum?
The next few weeks could be crucial for the affected universities
If the outstanding issues are addressed before the ultimatum expires, the threat of industrial action could potentially be avoided
However, if ASUU concludes that sufficient progress has not been made, the affected branches may proceed with strike action in line with the resolution of the NEC
The planned emergency NEC meeting at the end of August or early September is also expected to provide further direction on the union’s nationwide position
For students and other members of the university community, attention will now be focused on developments between ASUU and the Federal Government, as well as the relevant state governments
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