The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has instructed lecturers across 20 institutions to prepare for a potential strike. The union cites the Federal and state governments’ failure to fully execute the 2025 FGN-ASUU Agreement as the primary reason for this directive.
A 14-day window has been granted to the relevant authorities to resolve the outstanding disputes. ASUU leadership, led by President Prof. Christopher Piwuna, warned that industrial action will commence once this deadline passes if demands remain unaddressed. This decision was formalized during a National Executive Council meeting held at the University of Abuja on August 8 and 9, 2026.
The affected schools include Nasarawa State University, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, University of Medical Sciences, Gombe State University, Plateau State University, Adekunle Ajasin University, Ambrose Alli University, Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology, Abia State University, and the University of Education and Entrepreneurship. Additionally, the list encompasses Emmanuel Alayande University of Education, Kaduna State University, Kano State University of Science and Technology, Northwest University, Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Imo State University, Niger Delta University, University of Africa, Bayelsa Medical University, and Taraba State University.
ASUU claims that the implementation of the 2025 pact, signed after 16 years of talks, has been inconsistent. The union specifically noted the Federal Government’s slow release of funds and a lack of commitment from visitors to state-owned universities. The 2025 agreement was designed to boost staff remuneration, improve infrastructure, and fund research, including a 40 percent salary increase that began in early 2026. However, the union reports that payment is currently selective, and the necessary Implementation Monitoring Committee has not been adequately constituted.
Beyond fiscal disputes, the union addressed campus governance and safety. They criticized specific professorial appointments at Federal University Wukari and urged local branches to ensure that administrative staff meet rigorous academic standards before attaining professorial ranks. Furthermore, ASUU expressed alarm regarding rising insecurity on campuses following recent violent incidents targeting their members.
