Ben Achi
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has, once again, warned of a possible nationwide strike, accusing the Federal Government (FG) of failing to honour longstanding agreements reached with the union since 2009, despite uncountable pledges.
The Union President, Christopher Piwuna made this known at a press conference at the University of Jos (UniJos) in Plateau State on Thursday, August 21, 2025.
Piwuna, who said lecturers have endured over two years of broken promises and delay tactics by the government, listed unresolved issues to include the renegotiation of the 2009 ASUU-FGN agreement, outstanding salary arrears, withheld promotions, and the welfare of retired lecturers.
It could be recalled that the last industrial action embarked upon by the members of the Union three years back, 2022 precisely, lasted for eight months. This happened under the reign of the immediate past President, Emmanuel Osadeke.
The President stated: “The general public should also note that ASUU has written several letters to the FGN drawing its attention to the need to resolve this crisis amicably. Lamentably, the federal government has always turned a deaf ear to all our pleas.
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“As always, it is the federal government that has consistently pushed our union to embark on a strike action, and it is clear that ASUU may have no other option than to embark on an action to press the FGN to listen to our demands and do the needful.
“The government made promises on these issues. Regrettably, we are here today to inform the Nigerian public, through you, that these undisputed issues could lead to a crisis in our educational sector, and other consequences."
He, on behalf of the Union, further rejected the government’s proposed tertiary institutions staff support fund loan scheme, describing it as a trap.
“Our members do not need loans. What we need is the implementation of agreements that will improve our purchasing power. Government is still owing us three months’ salaries, yet they are asking us to borrow money,” the ASUU President added.
