ASUU threatens to shut down universities ‘without notice’

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has warned that it may call its members out on a nationwide strike at any time unless the federal and state governments take urgent action to address crucial issues affecting university lecturers. In a statement titled 'Why ASUU May Go on Strike Again,' signed by President Prof. Christopher Piwuna, the union expressed concern over the poor implementation of the 2025 Federal Government-ASUU Agreement, unpaid salaries, and unremitted third-party deductions.

The union stated that a meeting held on September 5, 2026, resolved that the strike could be declared within the shortest possible time if the issues are not promptly addressed. ASUU revealed that three-and-a-half months out of the seven-and-a-half months of withheld salaries under the Buhari administration remained unpaid, despite President Bola Tinubu's release of four months.

The unpaid salaries have caused significant financial and psychological distress for lecturers, with the withheld income losing more than 50% of its value to devaluation since 2022. The union also criticized state governments' failure to implement the 2025 agreement, while commending some states for starting the process. The union also condemned the extension of the vice-chancellor's tenure at Osun State University, accusing the governor of setting a bad precedent.

The union called for immediate action from students, parents, media practitioners, labour leaders, and other Nigerians to prevent the crisis from escalating further.