The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has issued a warning to the Federal Government, stating that it will commence an indefinite nationwide strike on Friday, November 21, 2025, if its demands are not met. The union’s ultimatum comes after a one-month window granted to the government to address its concerns expired, with ASUU accusing the government of inaction and deliberate provocation.
ASUU alleges that the government has failed to implement the 2009 ASUU-FG agreement, which covers improved working conditions, upward review of academic allowances, funding for revitalization, autonomy of universities, and a sustainable system for negotiating lecturers’ welfare. The union also criticizes the government’s “No Work, No Pay” policy, describing it as a weaponized measure to punish lecturers for demanding basic academic and welfare standards.
The union’s demands include honouring previous agreements, prioritizing education, and improving the welfare of lecturers. ASUU argues that the government’s repeated claims of economic hardship are unfounded and politically motivated, emphasizing that the current revenue profile provides ample justification for a swift and meaningful resolution. The union insists that the problem lies not with financial capacity but with political will.
Student groups across the country have expressed worry over the approaching deadline, fearing another prolonged disruption of academic activities. Many students are concerned that the impending strike could destabilize their academic plans, delay graduations, and worsen the already fragile university calendar. Parents and education stakeholders have also urged the government to act swiftly, cautioning that another ASUU strike could severely affect national productivity and further discourage investment in Nigeria’s education sector.
The Federal Government has made some efforts to address ASUU’s demands, including the release of N50 billion for the payment of Earned Academic Allowances and capturing N150 billion in the 2025 budget for needs assessment. However, ASUU maintains that these efforts are insufficient and that the government needs to take more concrete actions to address the union’s concerns.
As the deadline approaches, the fate of Nigeria’s academic calendar hangs in the balance. While ASUU insists that avoiding the strike is still possible if the government shows seriousness by addressing core demands, the government’s next move will determine whether the nation’s universities will be shut down indefinitely ¹.