Tag: Strike

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.”  

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.