The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has directed about 20 state universities across Nigeria to prepare for an indefinite strike over what the union described as the haphazard implementation of the 2025 FG ASUU agreement
The directive followed ASUU’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held at the University of Abuja on August 8 and 9, 2026 The affected institutions have reportedly been instructed to issue a 14 day ultimatum before commencing industrial action if their concerns are not addressed
The development could create fresh uncertainty for students and academic activities across the affected universities, coming after years of disputes between ASUU and government authorities over lecturers’ welfare funding and the implementation of agreements
Why ASUU Is Threatening Another Strike
ASUU’s latest decision is linked to concerns over the implementation of the 2025 renegotiated agreement between the Federal Government and the union
The agreement was signed on January 14, 2026, following negotiations that were concluded in December 2025
It was designed to address several longstanding issues affecting lecturers and public universities, including welfare, academic allowances and funding
According to the union, however, implementation has been inconsistent, particularly across state owned universities
State Universities Raise Concerns Over Agreement
Reports cited in the union’s discussions indicate that only about 10 state universities have fully implemented the agreement, while more than 57 others are yet to completely meet the requirements
ASUU has expressed concern that state governments have not done enough to fulfil their financial obligations under the agreement
The union also criticized what it described as the Federal Government’s slow release of the subvention required to support the full implementation of the deal
What the 2025 FG ASUU Agreement Covers
The 2025 agreement was reached after prolonged negotiations between the government and ASUU
One of its key objectives is to improve the welfare of university lecturers while strengthening teaching and research in Nigeria’s public universities
Among the provisions highlighted by ASUU are the Consolidated Academic Tools Allowance (CATA), Earned Academic Allowance (EAA) and Professorial Allowance
These payments are intended to address some of the financial and professional concerns that have remained at the center of repeated disputes between ASUU and government authorities
20 Universities Asked to Issue 14 Day Ultimatum
ASUU President, Christopher Piwuna, said the union’s NEC had resolved that about 20 affected universities should issue a 14 day ultimatum before proceeding with an indefinite strike
The decision was reached during the union’s NEC meeting in Abuja
ASUU said it recognized the signing of the 2025 agreement as an important development but expressed dissatisfaction with the manner in which the agreement has been implemented
The union particularly criticized what it called the government’s “lackadaisical attitude” towards releasing the necessary subvention
If the issues remain unresolved after the ultimatum expires, the affected universities could begin an indefinite industrial action
Full List of Universities Affected
The universities directed to issue the 14 day ultimatum 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
- 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
Students of the affected institutions are likely to closely monitor announcements from their universities and ASUU as the 14 day ultimatum progresses.
What the Potential ASUU Strike Means for Students
An indefinite strike could disrupt lectures, examinations, academic calendars and other university activities if the dispute is not resolved before the ultimatum expires
For students, another prolonged industrial action could lead to delays in graduation and disruptions to admission, examinations and academic programs
However, the universities have not necessarily commenced the strike at this stage The institutions are first expected to issue their respective 14 day ultimatums before any industrial action begins
Students should therefore rely on official announcements from their universities and ASUU for confirmation of any changes to academic activities
ASUU Renegotiated Agreement and Nigeria’s University Crisis
The latest dispute reflects the broader challenges surrounding funding and industrial relations in Nigeria’s public university system
ASUU has repeatedly argued that proper funding and implementation of agreements are essential to improving lecturers’ welfare and maintaining quality education
The 2025 agreement was expected to provide a fresh framework for resolving some of these longstanding issues However, the union’s latest position suggests that disagreements over implementation remain unresolved in several state owned universities
The coming weeks will therefore be important as government authorities and university stakeholders face pressure to prevent another widespread disruption of academic activities
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