The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has reaffirmed its decision to embark on a two-week nationwide warning strike if the Federal Government fails to address its outstanding demands on or before October 13, 2025.
The planned action follows a two-week ultimatum issued last week, urging the government to implement the renegotiated 2009 ASUU-FGN Agreement and resolve other lingering issues affecting the university system.
ASUU President, Dr. Chris Piwuna, made this known on Monday during an Orientation and Leadership Training themed “Understanding the Principles of the Union”, held at the ASUU Niger Delta University (NDU) branch in Amassoma, Bayelsa State.
Piwuna stressed that the union’s decision to embark on the warning strike is final unless the government fulfills its promises. “The warning strike has been issued and we are not revisiting that decision. By midnight of Monday, we will commence the two-week warning strike, after which we will review the situation and decide on a possible indefinite and comprehensive strike,” he declared.
He noted that the union’s grievances, particularly the delayed renegotiation of the 2009 agreement, have persisted for years despite repeated engagements. “We have been patient enough. The government gave us three weeks to respond and failed to do so. Nigerians must understand that our actions are driven by neglect and unfulfilled promises,” he said.
Addressing the issue of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), Piwuna criticised the initiative, describing it as unsuitable for Nigeria’s struggling economy. “We told the government that loans are not the solution in an economy where unemployment is high and families can barely survive. Such funds should be provided as grants, not loans,” he stated.
He further questioned NELFUND’s financial management, citing reports that the organisation, less than a year old with under a hundred staff members, had spent ₦14 billion on personnel, an amount he said exceeds the annual expenditure of some universities with over 1,000 staff.
Also speaking at the training, ASUU National Financial Secretary, Dr. Happiness Uduk, urged members to uphold the union’s long-standing principles of integrity, transparency, and accountability, regardless of external pressures.
The Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Professor Ezekiel Agbalagba, who presented a paper on “Understanding the Dynamics of ASUU and University Administration”, encouraged members to adhere strictly to the union’s work guide compiled by former ASUU President, Comrade Festus Iyayi. He emphasised that unity among members remains vital to achieving excellence in education.
Similarly, the Vice Chancellor of Niger Delta University, Professor Allen Agih, commended the organisers and participants of the workshop, describing it as impactful and urging that it be held regularly due to its importance.
Earlier, the ASUU NDU Branch Chairperson, Dr. Lucky Bebeteidoh, thanked the national president for attending the event despite his tight schedule and appreciated members for their active participation and insightful contributions.
