The nationwide warning strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has entered its second week, with no immediate signs of resolution. As of yesterday, no fresh proposals or communications from the Federal Government have emerged that could prompt lecturers to call off the strike, suggesting that the industrial action may extend beyond its warning stage.

Reports also indicate that a recent meeting between ASUU officials and the Deputy Senate President, Jibrin Barau, failed to yield a breakthrough.

Earlier, the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, expressed optimism that the dispute would soon be resolved permanently. “We know ASUU members have been patient, but strike is not the best option. These are issues that have lingered for decades. The president has shown genuine political will and benevolence towards education. We will resolve this matter comprehensively, respectfully, and in a way that the government can afford,” he said.

Dr. Alausa highlighted government efforts to demonstrate commitment, including the release of N50 billion for earned academic allowances and the allocation of N150 billion in the 2025 budget for the revitalisation of tertiary institutions. He further assured that discussions on the new conditions of service are ongoing and represent the final component of the negotiation process.

“In the past, we had three separate committees for universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education, which was not efficient. Now, we have an expanded negotiating committee engaging all tertiary institutions and unions, both academic and non-academic, to ensure a holistic understanding of their needs,” he said. “About 80 percent of the unions’ requests are similar across tertiary sub-sectors, while the remaining 20 percent relate to specific institutional needs. We are finalising the components of the conditions of service proposed by ASUU.”

ASUU began the two-week warning strike on Monday, October 13, citing the Federal Government’s inability to meet lecturers’ demands related to welfare, conditions of service, and overall improvement of teaching and learning in universities.

Key demands by the union include:

  • Urgent conclusion of the renegotiated 2009 FG/ASUU agreement.
  • Release of withheld salaries spanning three-and-a-half months.
  • Sustainable funding and revitalisation of public universities.
  • Cessation of victimisation of lecturers at Lagos State University (LASU), Kogi State University (KSU), now Prince Abubakar Audu University, and Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO).
  • Payment of outstanding 25/35 percent salary arrears, promotion arrears exceeding four years, and release of withheld third-party deductions, including cooperative contributions and union check-off dues.

The standoff has heightened concerns over academic disruption, with stakeholders urging both parties to swiftly reach a mutually beneficial agreement.

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