Strike: FG Too Slow in Meeting Our Demands — ASUU President!

October 9, 2025 2 Min Read

Reported by Marian Opeyemi Fasesan | Sele Media Africa

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has lambasted the Federal Government for lagging in addressing its long‑standing demands, just as the union’s 14‑day ultimatum to avert a nationwide warning strike draws to a close.

What the ASUU President Said

In an appearance on Channels Television’s Morning Brief, ASUU President Chris Piwuna accused the government and the Ministry of Education of being “slow” in responding to the union’s demands. [1]
He stated that after agreeing to give the government three weeks to act, ASUU received no communication—“not a word from them”—until the threat of industrial action was raised. [2]
Piwuna further lamented that the 2009 ASUU‑FGN agreement, which has been under renegotiation for years, remains unresolved even as the ultimatum nears expiration. [2]
He dismissed the government’s recent appeal to suspend the strike as coming in the “nick of time” with too little left to salvage trust. [1]

Context & Stakes

On September 29, 2025, ASUU issued a 14‑day ultimatum to the Federal Government, demanding action on issues such as revitalisation of university infrastructure, outstanding allowances, promotion arrears, and the finalisation of the 2009 agreement. [3]
The union warns that if its demands remain unmet by Sunday, it will commence a two‑week warning strike, which could escalate further. [3]
The Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, has appealed to ASUU to hold off on the strike, noting that a reconstituted negotiation committee is already reviewing the union’s proposals. [1]

Why This Matters

Universities have experienced repeated disruptions from prolonged strikes, which affect students’ learning, academic calendars, research output, and national development.
The ASUU‑FG relationship has long been characterised by cycles of negotiations, promises, and protest—raising questions about consistency in public policy and governance of education.
The outcome in the next 48 hours may determine whether Nigerian public universities experience another major shutdown.

Citations:

Channels Television: www.channelstv.com/2025/10/09/fgs-appeal-to-shelve-strike-has-come-a-little-too-late-says-asuu/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
Vanguard News: www.vanguardngr.com/2025/10/strike-fg-too-slow-in-meeting-our-demands-asuu-president?utm_source=chatgpt.com
Vanguard News: www.vanguardngr.com/2025/09/asuu-issues-14-day-ultimatum-to-fg-threatens-strike-over-unmet-demands/?utm_source=chatgpt.com