The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) commenced a two-week warning strike today, Monday, October 13, 2025, after the Federal Government failed to meet the union’s lingering demands before the Sunday night deadline.
The industrial action, which has begun with mobilization across federal universities, signals a renewed standoff over welfare, funding, and the implementation of the 2009 ASUU-FGN Agreement. Reports indicate that in some schools, like the University of Benin (UNIBEN), ASUU members actively mobilized to disrupt students sitting for examinations.
Government Claims Progress, ASUU Demands Action
The strike begins despite the government’s claim that negotiations were entering the final phase.
Government’s Position: Last Wednesday, Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, appealed to the union to exercise patience, stating that the government had demonstrated sincerity:
- Financial Commitments: The government has released ₦50 billion for Earned Academic Allowances and captured another ₦150 billion in the 2025 budget for needs assessment, to be disbursed in three tranches.
- Welfare Issues: The Minister claimed that issues like promotion arrears, teaching allowances, and wage awards had been addressed, with remaining obligations scheduled to be cleared by 2026.
- Legal Assurance: He noted that the Ministry of Justice and the Solicitor-General of the Federation were involved in the process to ensure the final agreement would be legally sound and enforceable.
ASUU’s Response: ASUU President, Prof. Chris Piwuna, criticized the Ministry of Education for its “habitual delay” in addressing critical issues. He confirmed that the warning strike was the default next step after the government failed to present a “substantial” offer by the deadline.
Mobilization for the strike has been confirmed at several federal universities, including the University of Jos, Ahmadu Bello University, and the University of Abuja.
Policy Fallout: “No Work, No Pay” Invoked
Following the commencement of the two-week warning strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), the Federal Government has intensified its stance. The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, has officially invoked the “No Work, No Pay” policy against the striking lecturers.
This move means that ASUU members participating in the strike from today, Monday, October 13, will not receive their salaries for the duration of the industrial action. The government aims to apply financial pressure on the union to return to the negotiation table and end the disruption of academic activities.
