21 Varsities Face Shutdown Threat As ASUU Issues 14-Day Ultimatum

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has issued a 14-day ultimatum to 21 universities over the non-implementation of the 2025 federal government-ASUU agreement.

The union warned that affected institutions could face industrial action if their demands are not addressed.

The decision was taken at the union’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held at the University of Abuja on Saturday, 8 and Sunday, 9 August 2026.

In a statement containing the resolutions of the meeting and signed by ASUU President, Professor Christopher Piwuna, which was obtained by LEADERSHIP on Monday night, the union said NEC expressed concern over haphazard implementation and lackadaisical attitude of the federal government towards the 2025 agreement.

ASUU also criticised the failure of visitors to several state-owned universities to implement the agreement, saying the situation had compelled affected branches to seek approval to commence procedures for industrial action.

The universities given the 14-day ultimatum are Nasarawa State University, Keffi; Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai; University of Medical Sciences, Ondo; Gombe State University; Plateau State University, Bokkos; Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba; Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma; Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology, Okitipupa; Abia State University, Uturu; University of Education and Entrepreneurship, Akamkpa; Emmanuel Alayande University of Education, Oyo.

Others are; Kaduna State University; Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology, Wudil; Northwest University, Kano; Enugu State University of Science and Technology; Imo State University, Owerri; Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island; University of Africa, Toru-Orua; Bayelsa Medical University, Yenagoa; and Taraba State University, Jalingo.

The Union said, “Permission be granted to the following branches that have approached NEC for an action, to institute the procedures to embark on strike in order to press home their demands. This is to be preceded by the issuance of a 14-day ultimatum.”

According to ASUU, the affected branches are expected to embark on strike after the expiration of the ultimatum if their demands remain unresolved.

The union also noted that branches within the Sokoto Zone had already issued a two-week ultimatum, while an emergency NEC meeting would be convened at the end of August or early September 2026 to review the situation and take further decisions.

ASUU further reaffirmed its earlier “No-pay-No-work” position, which allows branches to take action where salaries are not paid by the third day of the following month.

“Branches in federal universities whose salaries were underpaid, including Universities of Agriculture, were mandated to take action to press home their demands,” the union added.

ASUU also reaffirmed its position rejecting the National Education Repository Databank (NERD) until concerns relating to its hosting and intellectual property rights are clarified.

On national affairs, NEC encouraged members to participate in the political process and approved the establishment of an ASUU Independent Monitoring Group to monitor and observe elections in Nigeria.

“Going forward, the Union will set up an ASUU Independent Monitoring Group to monitor/observe the conduct of elections in Nigeria,” the resolution stated.

The union also expressed serious concern over insecurity on university campuses, particularly incidents that had resulted in the deaths of its members.

It directed affected branches to pursue justice for victims by engaging the police and other security agencies, while also compiling records of such incidents for presentation to NEC.