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 lingering demands before October 13, 2025.
The union had earlier issued a two-week ultimatum to the government, calling for the immediate signing and implementation of the renegotiated 2009 ASUU-FGN Agreement, among other unresolved issues.
ASUU President, Prof. Chris Piwuna, made this known on Monday during the Orientation and Leadership Training themed “Understanding the Principles of the Union” held at the Niger Delta University (NDU) Branch, Amassoma, Bayelsa State.
According to Piwuna, the union’s decision is final, and unless the Federal Government acts swiftly, the two-week warning strike will commence as planned.
“The warning strike has been issued, and there is no going back. Our position is clear — if by midnight on Monday our demands are not met, we will begin the two-week warning strike. Afterward, the union will reconvene to decide on a possible indefinite and comprehensive strike,” he said.
Piwuna emphasized that ASUU has been patient for years, engaging the government in several rounds of negotiation without progress.
“We have given the government enough time. They asked for three weeks to respond but never did. Nigerians must understand that this action is not sudden — it comes after prolonged discussions and failed promises,” he added.
On the issue of the Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), Piwuna criticized the loan initiative, describing it as unsustainable in a struggling economy.
“We do not support student loans in a depressed economy where unemployment is high and families can barely survive. How will they repay? If the government truly wants to help students, the funds should come as grants, not loans,” he said.
He also expressed concerns about alleged financial mismanagement within NELFUND, citing reports of ₦14 billion spent on personnel in less than a year despite having under 100 staff.
In her remarks, ASUU National Financial Secretary, Dr. Happiness Uduk, urged members to maintain integrity, transparency, and accountability — values that define ASUU as a union of intellectuals.
The Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun, Delta State, Prof. Ezekiel Agbalagba, called for stronger collaboration among ASUU members to promote excellence in Nigeria’s higher education system.
Similarly, the Vice-Chancellor of Niger Delta University, Prof. Allen Agih, commended ASUU leadership for the training initiative and encouraged its continuity.
Earlier, the ASUU-NDU Branch Chairperson, Dr. Lucky Bebeteidoh, appreciated Prof. Piwuna for his commitment to the union’s goals and thanked members for their active participation.
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