ASUU Threatens Nationwide Strike Over Unpaid Salaries, Poor Implementation of 2025 Agreement.

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has threatened to embark on a nationwide strike over unpaid salaries and what it described as the poor implementation of the 2025 agreement reached with the Federal Government.

The warning comes as several ASUU branches across the country have already suspended academic activities over outstanding salaries, allowances, and arrears, raising fears of a wider disruption in public universities.

ASUU said its members could be forced to withdraw their services if governments and university authorities fail to address the outstanding issues.

The dispute centres on the implementation of the 2025 FGN ASUU agreement, which included a review of welfare packages, salary related allowances, and other entitlements for academic staff.

The agreement took effect in January 2026 after being signed in December 2025.

At several universities, lecturers have complained that some components of the agreement have been implemented while others remain unpaid.

The union has maintained that promises will no longer be enough.

At Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, ASUU said, "We are not ready to listen to anything like commitment again. What we want now is action."

At Sule Lamido University, Kafin Hausa, the local ASUU branch has given the Jigawa State Government a two-week ultimatum, warning that it would begin industrial action on 15th September 2026 if the agreement and outstanding arrears are not fully addressed.

"We have issued a two week ultimatum to the Jigawa State Government to fully implement the 2025 ASUU FGN agreement and pay the accrued arrears from January 2026 to date," the union said.

The development follows similar strikes at universities in Ondo, Benue, and Anambra states, increasing pressure on governments to prevent another nationwide shutdown of academic activities.

The growing unrest among university lecturers has sparked concern among students, parents, and education stakeholders, who fear that another prolonged strike could further damage Nigeria's already fragile public university system. Many students are still recovering from the disruptions caused by previous industrial actions, and the prospect of another shutdown has left them anxious about their academic calendars and career prospects.

Education analysts have warned that repeated strikes are eroding confidence in Nigeria's public universities, pushing more students towards private institutions and foreign universities. They argue that the cycle of agreements, promises, and broken commitments must be broken if the country is to develop a stable and competitive higher education system.

Parents and guardians have also expressed frustration, noting that they continue to bear the financial burden of extended academic sessions while their children remain at home during strike periods. Many are calling on both the Federal Government and state governments to take the concerns of university lecturers seriously and honour agreements promptly.

ASUU has consistently accused the government of failing to follow through on agreements signed after long negotiations, a pattern that has led to several nationwide strikes in the past. The union insists that until concrete action is taken, its members will not hesitate to down tools again.

The Federal Government has yet to issue a formal response to the latest threat, but observers say the coming days will be crucial in determining whether Nigeria's public universities will remain open or face yet another nationwide shutdown.

With tensions rising and ultimatums ticking, all eyes are on the government and university authorities to act decisively before the situation escalates into a full blown national strike.