ASUU Issues Strike Ultimatum, Calls for National Intervention

August 27, 2025 OLAOLUWA AYOMIDE

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has urgently called on the National Assembly, religious leaders, traditional rulers, and student bodies to intervene and prevent an imminent nationwide strike.

The union warns that the Federal Government’s inaction is pushing university lecturers to the brink of industrial action.

This appeal follows coordinated protests by ASUU members across federal universities in Nigeria. A key point of contention is the government’s offer of a loan scheme for lecturers, which the union has dismissed as an unnecessary “Greek gift.”

Government Pledges to Avert Crisis

In response, the Federal Government expressed confidence that a full-scale strike can be averted. The Director of Public Affairs at the Federal Ministry of Education, Mrs. Folasade Boriowo, stated that a delegation led by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, is scheduled to meet with ASUU leadership on Thursday.

“We are optimistic that things would be sorted out. Nothing will be allowed to get out of hand,” Boriowo said.

Lecturers Reject Loan Scheme, Demand Dues

During a protest at the University of Lagos (UNILAG), the branch Chairman, Prof. Idou Keinde, criticized the proposed loan offer.

He argued that it is redundant if the government would simply honor existing agreements and pay owed entitlements.

“The loans are to be guaranteed by our union. This is not necessary; the governing council of each university can give loans to our members based on our condition of service,” Keinde stated.

Patience Wearing Thin in the Zones

The frustration was echoed by the ASUU Akure Zone, which includes several universities. The Zonal Coordinator, Professor Adeola Egbedokun, accused the Tinubu administration of ignoring the union’s demands for the past two years.

Speaking at the Federal University, Oye Ekiti, Egbedokun declared that the lecturers’ patience had been “stretched to its breaking point.”

He issued a stern warning, noting that while the union is aware of the government’s planned meeting, “the clock is ticking, and time is no longer on the government’s side.”

The nation now watches to see if Thursday’s meeting will defuse the growing tension or if Nigerian universities will face another disruptive shutdown.