There is uncertainty in public universities across Nigeria as the 14-day ultimatum issued by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to the federal government expires today.
The ultimatum, which was announced on September 28, was part of renewed efforts by the union to compel the government to address unresolved issues in the nation’s university system.
When LEADERSHIP Weekend asked about the union’s next line of action as the deadline drew to a close, ASUU President, Professor Chris Piwuna, simply said, “No comment.”
However, it was gathered from credible sources within the union that ASUU’s National Executive Council (NEC) may convene after the expiration of the ultimatum to decide on the next steps.
ASUU had earlier begun full mobilisation of its members across universities in preparation for possible industrial action.
The move followed what the union described as the Federal Government’s continued silence and lack of commitment to resolving lingering issues affecting the academic sector.
In a circular earlier addressed to all ASUU branches, the NEC explained that at an emergency meeting held on 29th September 2025, it reviewed the outcome of a referendum conducted across its various chapters and unanimously resolved to issue a 14-day ultimatum to the government.
The statement noted that the ultimatum was meant to compel the signing and implementation of the renegotiated agreement transmitted to the government since February 2025.
Despite the resolutions being formally communicated to the Ministers of Labour and Education, as well as the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the union lamented the government’s inaction.
Professor Piwuna, in a statement to members, had expressed deep disappointment, saying, “I regret to inform you that there is no meaningful development deserving of any consideration to be reported.”
He explained that the union’s current stance was driven by the need to compel the government to honour its commitments, particularly the signing and implementation of the renegotiated agreement and the resolution of other long-standing demands.
Among ASUU’s key demands are the implementation of the 2022 renegotiated agreement, improved funding for public universities, and the settlement of outstanding earned academic allowances.
