The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has declared a two-week comprehensive warning strike, shutting down all public universities across Nigeria from Monday, October 13, 2025, over what it described as the Federal Government’s failure to address lingering issues affecting the education sector.
The announcement was made by ASUU National President, Prof. Chris Piwuna, during a press conference at the University of Abuja on Sunday.
“Compatriots of the press, it goes without saying that there is nothing sufficient on the ground to stop the implementation of the ASUU-NEC’s resolution to embark on a two-week warning strike at the expiry of the 14-day notice given on the 28th September 2025,” Piwuna said.
“Consequently, all branches of ASUU are hereby directed to withdraw their services with effect from midnight on Monday, the 13th October, 2025. The warning strike shall be total and comprehensive as agreed at the last NEC meeting.”
The decision marks the latest breakdown in relations between ASUU and the Federal Government, despite weeks of negotiation aimed at averting another disruption in the university system.
Earlier last week, Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, had told journalists that the government was close to resolving all contentious issues with the union. He cited progress in the implementation of key commitments, including the release of ₦50 billion for Earned Academic Allowances (EAA) and the inclusion of ₦150 billion in the 2025 budget for Needs Assessment of public universities.
But ASUU maintains that the government’s promises have not been backed by tangible results, accusing it of “foot-dragging and insincerity” in fulfilling the terms of the 2009 ASUU-FGN Agreement and other related pacts.
The union has consistently demanded improved funding for university infrastructure, fair compensation for academic staff, and greater autonomy for universities, warning that the collapse of the education system is imminent without urgent intervention.
The two-week strike, which ASUU described as “total and comprehensive,” will see lecturers across the country withdraw from all teaching, research, and administrative duties.
Analysts warn that if no breakthrough is achieved within the warning period, ASUU may extend the strike indefinitely, a move that could once again derail the academic calendar and further frustrate students already weary from past disruptions.
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