FG Begs ASUU To Shelve Proposed Strike
THECONSCIENCE NG reports that the Federal Government has appealed to the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to suspend its planned nationwide strike, assuring that efforts are underway to address the union’s demands.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Wednesday, Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, said the government is actively engaging with ASUU and that progress is being made in ongoing negotiations.
He noted that the Mahmud Yayale Ahmed Federal Government Tertiary Institutions Expanded Negotiation Committee has been reconstituted and inaugurated to fast-track talks with both academic and non-academic unions across universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education.
Dr. Alausa further stated that President Bola Tinubu has given a clear directive to avoid any disruption in the academic calendar of the nation’s tertiary institutions.
ASUU, however, has commenced full mobilisation of its members ahead of a possible warning strike, as a 14-day ultimatum issued to the Federal Government expires this Sunday.
The union had declared the ultimatum following a National Executive Council meeting held at the University of Abuja, citing the government’s failure to address critical issues affecting the university system.
In a strike notice signed by ASUU President, Dr. Chris Piwuna, the union lamented the prolonged neglect of public universities and what it described as the government’s persistent disregard for their demands.
“In August 2025, our members across federal and state universities held campus rallies to draw attention to the lingering crisis in the sector. Despite these efforts, nothing has changed,” the statement read.
ASUU warned that if the government fails to act before the ultimatum expires, it will embark on a two-week warning strike, which could be followed by a total and indefinite industrial action.
