Nigerian Resident Doctors Launch Indefinite Strike Over Unmet Government Agreements

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has officially begun an indefinite strike to press for the fulfillment of their demands, the association’s president, Dr. Mohammad Suleiman, announced on Saturday via NARD’s official platform. The strike follows the expiration of a 30-day ultimatum previously issued to the Federal Government, which Suleiman says repeatedly failed to honour agreements reached after several rounds of dialogue. Suleiman acknowledged the disruption the strike would cause, stating that the decision was not made lightly. “Our demands are not for personal gain or political reasons,” he said. “They are essential for the survival of Nigeria’s health system and the welfare of every citizen who depends on it.” He explained that resident doctors face excessive workloads, inadequate pay, delayed arrears, poor working conditions, and insufficient medical infrastructure—factors that directly affect patient care. “Doctors who are overworked and underpaid cannot provide the quality care Nigerians deserve,” he said. Suleiman urged Nigerians, civil society organizations, labour unions, and community leaders to support the strike, emphasizing that it is a fight for a fair and functional healthcare system. “This is not a conflict between doctors and the government. It is about ensuring that doctors can work effectively, motivated, and with the tools necessary to save lives,” he said. He warned that the long-term consequences of inaction could be severe. “If doctors are demoralized or forced to seek opportunities abroad, patients will suffer. We appeal to the government to address our demands urgently so hospitals can reopen, doctors can return to duty, and Nigerians can access the care they need.” Earlier on Thursday, resident doctors in Abuja announced their participation in NARD’s strike due to unresolved issues with the Federal Capital Territory Administration. NARD had initially declared its intention to start the indefinite strike on Saturday, 1st November 2025.

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FG Warns ASUU Against Strike, Vows To Enforce No Work No Pay Policy

BREAKING: ASUU Suspends Two-Week Strike

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has lifted its two-week warning strike, which had paralyzed academic activities across public universities since last week. The announcement was made on Wednesday during a press conference at the union’s national secretariat in Abuja. ASUU President, Chris Piwuna, said the decision came after interventions from the Senate and several respected Nigerians who urged the union to give dialogue another chance. He explained that the National Executive Council (NEC) resolved to suspend the strike temporarily, granting the federal government a one-month window to fulfill its promises and address all outstanding issues. Piwuna warned that the union would not hesitate to resume industrial action if the government fails to take concrete steps within the given timeframe.

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FG Warns ASUU Against Strike, Vows To Enforce No Work No Pay Policy

FG Warns ASUU Against Strike, Vows To Enforce No Work No Pay Policy

The Federal Government has warned the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) against proceeding with its planned strike, insisting it will implement the “no work, no pay” policy if academic activities are affected. In a joint statement released on Sunday, the Minister of Education, Maruf Tunji Alausa, and the Minister of State for Education, Suwaiba Sai’d Ahmed, said the government remains committed to addressing the union’s grievances through continued dialogue. “The Federal Government has shown sincerity, patience, and goodwill in its engagement with the Union,” the statement read. According to the ministers, most of ASUU’s key demands, including increased teaching allowances and improved welfare conditions, have already been met. They added that other pending issues are now under the purview of the newly reconstituted university governing councils. “Despite these efforts, ASUU’s decision to go on strike does not demonstrate fairness to students or the public,” the statement continued. Reiterating the Tinubu administration’s commitment to sustaining stability in the education sector under the Renewed Hope Agenda, the ministers noted that the “no work, no pay” policy remains an active labour law that will be enforced if classes are halted. They urged ASUU to reconsider its position and return to discussions, emphasizing that “the government remains open to dialogue at all levels to prevent further disruption in the nation’s universities.”  

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ASUU Shuts Down Universities Nationwide As Two-Week Warning Strike Begins

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has launched a two-week nationwide warning strike after the expiration of its 14-day ultimatum to the Federal Government. Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Sunday, ASUU President, Professor Chris Piwuna, announced that the strike would take effect from midnight, marking the end of the ultimatum. He said the industrial action became necessary to compel the government to honor past agreements and resolve the persistent issues plaguing Nigeria’s public universities. ASUU had issued the ultimatum on September 28, 2025, as part of renewed efforts to address long-standing disputes with the government over funding, salaries, and working conditions. According to Piwuna, all efforts to reach a resolution failed, leaving the union with no choice but to act. “All branches of ASUU are hereby directed to withdraw their services from 12:01 am on Monday, 13th October 2025. The warning strike shall be total and comprehensive as agreed at the last NEC meeting,” he stated.  

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ASUU Set To Begin Two-Week Warning Strike As Ultimatum To Government Expires

ASUU Set To Begin Two-Week Warning Strike As Ultimatum To Government Expires

Members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) are poised to begin a two-week warning strike on Monday unless a last-minute resolution is reached with the Federal Government. The strike follows the expiration of a two-week ultimatum given to the government to address the union’s long-standing demands. By Sunday night, no official response had been issued regarding the imminent industrial action. ASUU had directed its branches across the country to prepare for the strike, highlighting growing frustration despite ongoing negotiations aimed at preventing disruptions in the nation’s tertiary institutions. On Wednesday in Abuja, the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, said the government was in the final stages of talks with ASUU and other university unions, focusing on welfare, funding, and the implementation of the 2009 ASUU-FGN Agreement. Alausa said significant progress had already been made, including the release of N50 billion for Earned Academic Allowances and the inclusion of N150 billion in the 2025 budget for needs assessment, to be disbursed in three tranches. “They deserve to be paid well, and our academic and non-academic staff deserve improved welfare,” Alausa said. “We can’t give everything at once, but we are committed to making substantial improvements in their conditions.” He added that promotion arrears and other pending allowances had been addressed, with remaining obligations expected to be cleared by 2026. The minister urged the unions to favor dialogue over strikes and reiterated the government’s commitment to sustainable peace in the education sector. For the first time, the negotiation process has included officials from the Ministry of Justice, including the Solicitor-General of the Federation, to ensure that agreements are legally binding and enforceable. ASUU president, Prof. Chris Piwuna, criticized the Education Ministry for repeatedly delaying action on critical issues affecting lecturers. “The ultimatum expires on Sunday, and if the government does not present something substantial, a warning strike will commence,” he said. “Within the next 48 hours, we expect a meaningful response. Then we will consult our members to determine the next step.” Preparations for the strike are already underway at several federal universities, including the University of Jos, Ahmadu Bello University, and the University of Abuja. At the University of Jos, ASUU leaders met with branch executives to secure support for the planned action. Folasade Boriowo, spokesperson for the Ministry of Education, declined to comment when contacted about the strike.  

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ASUU Vows To Begin Two-Week Warning Strike If FG Fails To Act By October 13

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has maintained that it will embark on a two-week nationwide warning strike if the Federal Government fails to meet its demands by October 13, 2025. The planned strike follows a two-week ultimatum issued by the union last week, urging the government to address long-standing issues, particularly the signing and implementation of the renegotiated 2009 ASUU-FGN Agreement. ASUU President, Chris Piwuna, reaffirmed the union’s stance on Monday during an Orientation and Leadership Training programme themed “Understanding the Principles of the Union” at the Niger Delta University (NDU) Branch in Amassoma, Bayelsa State. Piwuna said the union’s decision was final, stressing that the government’s continued silence had left ASUU with no alternative. “The warning strike has been declared, and our position stands. By midnight of Monday, we will begin a two-week warning strike. After its expiration, we’ll meet to decide on an indefinite and comprehensive action,” he said. He accused the government of neglecting the re-negotiation of the 2009 agreement despite repeated engagements, adding that ASUU had exercised patience for years. “We’ve waited long enough. The government promised to get back to us within three weeks but never did. Nigerians should know we don’t just jump into strikes — we resort to them after all efforts at dialogue fail,” he explained. Piwuna also criticized the Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), arguing that student loans were unrealistic in a struggling economy. “We have told the government that loans cannot work in a country where unemployment is high and families can barely feed. If they truly want to support students, the funds should come as grants, not loans,” he said. He further questioned NELFUND’s reported N14 billion personnel spending despite having fewer than 100 staff members, describing it as evidence of mismanagement. ASUU National Financial Secretary, Happiness Uduk, reminded members that the union stands for integrity, transparency, and accountability, urging them to uphold those values. Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Delta State, Professor Ezekiel Agbalagba, encouraged members to remain united and guided by the principles outlined by former ASUU President, Festus Iyayi, noting that internal collaboration was key to achieving academic excellence. Vice Chancellor of Niger Delta University, Professor Allen Agih, commended ASUU for organizing the training, describing it as an important initiative that should be held regularly to strengthen the union’s leadership. ASUU NDU Branch Chairperson, Lucky Bebeteidoh, thanked the national president for attending the event and praised members for their commitment and contributions during the discussions.

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War Powers Act in Focus as Trump Hints at Possible Strike on Iran

As tensions escalate in the Middle East, renewed attention is being drawn to the War Powers Act of 1973 amid speculation that former U.S. President Donald Trump may order a military strike on Iran. Trump recently refused to rule out U.S. involvement in Israel’s conflict with Iran, telling reporters: “I may do it. I may not.” While the U.S. Constitution grants Congress the sole authority to declare war, presidential military actions in modern times have largely sidestepped formal declarations, raising fresh questions about the balance of power between the executive and legislative branches. Trump’s allies have emphasized that any decision to engage militarily would rest squarely with him, with Department of State spokeswoman Tammy Bruce stating: “He is the singular guiding hand about what will be occurring from this point forward.” However, critics and anti-war advocates argue that Congress must play a decisive role in matters of war and peace, as stipulated under the Constitution. This has prompted some lawmakers to reassert congressional authority through the War Powers Act. The War Powers Resolution, enacted in 1973 during the aftermath of the Vietnam War, requires the president to notify Congress within 48 hours of deploying armed forces into hostilities. It also limits military engagement to 60 days—plus a 30-day withdrawal period—unless Congress authorizes continued involvement. Legal experts note that while the act exists to check presidential powers, it has rarely been enforced. Previous administrations, including Trump’s, have carried out strikes abroad—such as the killing of Iranian General Qassem Soleimani in 2020—without prior congressional approval. “Presidents have often cited national security and self-defense to bypass formal authorization,” said Ayodele Oni, a constitutional analyst. “The courts have also been reluctant to intervene in these political questions.” The last time the U.S. formally declared war was in 1942 during World War II. Since then, successive administrations have conducted military actions in Korea, Vietnam, Iraq, Libya, and elsewhere without formal declarations of war. Should Trump move forward with military action against Iran, Congress could invoke the War Powers Act to force a withdrawal. However, enforcement would likely face political hurdles, including the possibility of a presidential veto and the challenge of securing a two-thirds override in both chambers. As diplomatic tensions rise, the debate over war powers underscores the enduring struggle between executive authority and congressional oversight in U.S. foreign policy.

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What Is Iran’s Fordow Nuclear Facility and Could US Weapons Destroy It?

The Fordow nuclear facility in Iran has once again come under global scrutiny amid heightened tensions following Israeli airstrikes and speculation about potential US military involvement. As concerns grow over Iran’s nuclear capabilities, many are questioning whether the fortified site could be destroyed — and what risks it poses. What Is the Fordow Facility?Located 30km northeast of Qom, deep in Iran’s mountainous terrain, Fordow was initially constructed as a military installation for the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) before being converted into a uranium enrichment site. The facility lies hundreds of meters underground, making it one of Iran’s most heavily fortified nuclear sites. Iran formally disclosed its existence to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in 2009, only after Western intelligence services uncovered its secret development. Why Is It Significant?First site where uranium enriched close to weapons-grade levels was found: In 2023, IAEA inspectors detected particles enriched to nearly 90% purity — the threshold for weapons-grade uranium. Capacity: Fordow is equipped to hold nearly 3,000 centrifuges, a small portion compared to Natanz (which has capacity for about 50,000), but its location deep underground makes it more defensible. Symbolic and strategic value: Fordow’s continued operation is often cited by the West as a major obstacle to reviving the 2015 nuclear deal (JCPOA). Has Fordow Been Hit or Damaged in Recent Attacks?Following Israel’s massive strike on Iran’s Natanz facility, missiles also targeted Fordow. However, according to IAEA chief Rafael Grossi, no visible damage was recorded at Fordow or at the Khondab heavy water reactor. This suggests Fordow remains operational, unlike Natanz, which sustained both above-ground and suspected underground damage. What Happens at Fordow?Fordow’s original role was to enrich uranium up to 20% U-235 — far above the 3.67% permitted under the JCPOA but below weapons-grade. Since the US withdrawal from the JCPOA in 2018, Iran has resumed higher enrichment levels at the site. Uranium enrichment involves concentrating the fissile U-235 isotope. Weapons-grade uranium requires enrichment levels of 90% or more, which Fordow is technically capable of producing. What Did Iran Agree to Under the JCPOA?Under the 2015 JCPOA, Iran agreed to: By 2017, these conditions were met — until the agreement began to collapse post-2018. Can the US Destroy Fordow With Airstrikes?Not easily. Military analysts agree that Fordow’s deep underground location makes it extremely difficult to target with conventional weapons. To neutralize it, the US would likely require: In short, Fordow is not invulnerable, but destroying it would require serious firepower and likely a coordinated air campaign, not a single strike. What’s Next?With the Israel-Iran conflict escalating and the JCPOA effectively dormant, Fordow represents both a flashpoint and a symbol of Iran’s nuclear resilience. Whether the U.S. will attempt military action there remains uncertain, but any such move would risk widening the current conflict — and dragging the world’s most volatile region into deeper chaos. Bottom line:Fordow is a hardened, operational nuclear facility, vital to Iran’s enrichment program. While not untouchable, it’s built to withstand conventional strikes, and any U.S. attempt to neutralize it would be a major military gamble with significant regional consequences.

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