ASUU issues four-week ultimatum to FG over unresolved University issues

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has issued a four-week ultimatum to the Federal Government, demanding urgent action on unresolved issues affecting Nigeria’s university system or facing the risk of a nationwide strike.

Zonal Coordinator of ASUU Calabar Zone, Comrade Ikechukwu Igwenyi, issued the warning on Monday, 17 November 2025, during a session with journalists in Calabar, expressing frustration over the government’s prolonged delay in addressing critical agreements.

Igwenyi stated that the union is calling for the completion and implementation of the renegotiated 2009 FGN–ASUU agreement, with clear timelines, as well as fair remuneration and improved working conditions to prevent the ongoing exodus of academic talent.

The union also demanded the immediate release of outstanding salaries spanning 3½ months, settlement of all withheld payments, reimbursement of third-party deductions, and clearance of promotion arrears.

ASUU further called for payment of the pending 25–35% wage awards with consequential adjustments, increased budgetary allocation to education, and sustainable funding of public universities. The union accused the government of undermining university autonomy through policy impositions and demanded strict adherence to laws governing the system.

In a statement jointly signed by Igwenyi and nine other ASUU leaders from universities across the Calabar Zone—including UNICAL, UNICROSS, ABSU, EBSU, FUNAI, UEE, and UNIUYO—the union warned that it would not hesitate to declare a strike if the Federal Government fails to respond within four weeks.

“We shall remain unbowed, unbroken, and unwavering in this just struggle, with profound faith in the certainty of victory,” the statement read.

ASUU emphasised that education is a right, not a privilege, and noted that the challenge is not a lack of funds but the absence of political will to prioritise education.

“We shall rebuild the Nigerian university system of our dream with the ashes of the struggle,” the union declared.