ASUU sets on fresh indefinite strike over unresolved renegotiation with FG

From Ene Asuquo, Calabar 

As a result of the unresolved renegotiation between Academic Staff Union of Universities and the Federal Government of Nigeria, the Union has sent a message of Imminent danger to industrial harmony in Nigerian University system.

In a press statement issued in Calabar dated 17th Nov, 2025, signed during interaction with journalists, ASUU  has warned that  they would embark on indefinite strike action in a few days to come.

They stressed that the strike is as a result of the federal government’s insincerity in keeping to terms after the 14 days warning strike and another four weeks of grace was given, which will expire on the 21st of November 2025

According to them, “We have gathered not merely as members of ASUU, but as citizens whose patience has been stretched far beyond its elastic limits.

“Occasioned by broken promises, shattered dreams, and deepening crises in the education sector.

“We hereby express deep concern over government’s inconsistency and dilatory approach to agreements, engagements and negotiations”.

They stated that the renegotiation of the 2009 FGN/ASUU Agreement was not a gift. It was an  obligation to Nigerian University Lecturers.

“Government owes Lecturers their due wages and her citizens and the dignity of decent and functional education.

They maintained that the fight is for the survival of Nigeria’s intellectual soul, while outlining the issues in containtion to include: renegotiation of workers’ Conditions of Service since 2009 in tandem with changing times and  inflationary trends over the years.

“Funding for revitalization of infrastructures, University autonomy, academic freedom, undue proliferation of Universities without assured sustainable funding.

The Union stressed further that Government grandstanding, insensitivity and silence are deliberate to destroy academic system and ASUU is ready to shut down totally and completely in a few days.

Recall that ASUU gave the FGN 14 days ultimatum to conclude the renegotiation which according to them was enough to made  government do the needful and they watched to no avail. ASUU then graduated to 2 weeks Warning Strike, which was suspended after NEC of 22nd October, 2025 due to the intervention of well-meaning Nigerians, the Nigeria Labour Congress, parents and students to create enabling opportunity for a meaningful dialogue. 

“Let the Federal Government return to the path of truth, fairness and good conscience. Let the government hear us clearly: they cannot destroy public education, starve lecturers with a slavish salary, deduct and withhold part of legitimate Lecturers salaries by way of 3rd part deductions, deny students conducive environment for effective learning and expect peace”.

“ASUU has been consistent: we are not asking for personal enrichment. We are demanding that government fulfills its obligations to the Nigerian people by funding education properly, otherwise, we shall resume the STRIKE itself; not the father or mother of all strikes”.

“This will be a total, comprehensive and indefinite strike action. We are ready to shut down for as long as government wants it to last because he who has been pushed down fears no fall.Education is the foundation of personal and national development”. the stated.

“The problem is not paucity of funds as government posits but lack of political will to invest in the development of Nigeria. 

“The figures and empirical data from Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) has revealed that in 2022, States received N3.02 trillion while in 2024, the figures rose to N5.81 trillion with an increase of over 62%.

“Similarly, federal allocations rose from N3.42 trillion in 2022 to N4.65 trillion with an increase of over 70%. this is a clear evidence that government has the capacity to pay Lecturers”. They maintained.