Daud Olatunji
The Academic Staff Union of Universities has issued a 14-day ultimatum to authorities of 21 universities over alleged failure to implement provisions of the 2025 agreement reached with the Federal Government.
The union warned that the affected institutions could be plunged into industrial action if the outstanding issues are not resolved before the expiration of the ultimatum.
The decision was reached at ASUU’s National Executive Council meeting held at the University of Abuja on Saturday and Sunday, August 8 and 9, 2026.
In a communiqué signed by the union’s President, Prof. Christopher Piwuna, ASUU expressed concern over what it described as the “haphazard implementation” of the 2025 agreement and the alleged lackadaisical attitude of the government towards its commitments.
The union also accused visitors to several state-owned universities of failing to implement the agreement, saying the development had forced affected branches to seek NEC approval to commence processes that could culminate in strike action.
The universities affected are Nasarawa State University, Keffi; Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai; University of Medical Sciences, Ondo; Gombe State University; Plateau State University, Bokkos; Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba; Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma; Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology, Okitipupa; Abia State University, Uturu; University of Education and Entrepreneurship, Akamkpa; and Emmanuel Alayande University of Education, Oyo.
Others are Kaduna State University; Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology, Wudil; Northwest University, Kano; Enugu State University of Science and Technology; Imo State University, Owerri; Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island; University of Africa, Toru-Orua; Bayelsa Medical University, Yenagoa; and Taraba State University, Jalingo.
ASUU said the affected branches had been authorised to begin procedures for industrial action, but would first issue a 14-day ultimatum to the relevant authorities.
The union stated that the branches would proceed with strike action after the deadline if their demands were not satisfactorily addressed.
It added that branches within its Sokoto Zone had already issued a two-week ultimatum, while an emergency NEC meeting would be held at the end of August or early September to assess developments and determine the union’s next line of action.
‘No Pay, No Work’
ASUU also reaffirmed its controversial “No-pay-No-work” position, directing branches to take action where salaries are not paid by the third day of the following month.
The union particularly raised concerns over salary underpayments affecting staff of federal universities, including universities of agriculture.
It mandated affected branches to press their demands for full payment of salaries and arrears.
ASUU Rejects NERD
The union also reiterated its opposition to the National Education Repository Databank, insisting that issues surrounding its hosting arrangements and intellectual property rights must first be clarified.
ASUU’s position on the databank forms part of its broader concerns over policies affecting university academics and the management of intellectual property generated within the university system.
Union Moves Into Election Monitoring
Beyond industrial and academic matters, the union resolved to deepen its involvement in Nigeria’s democratic process.
The NEC approved the establishment of an ASUU Independent Monitoring Group to monitor and observe elections across the country.
The union said the initiative was aimed at contributing to the monitoring of electoral processes and promoting credible elections.
Insecurity Raises Fresh Concern
ASUU also expressed concern over growing insecurity on university campuses, particularly incidents that have resulted in the deaths of members of the academic community.
The union directed affected branches to engage the police and other security agencies in seeking justice for victims.
Branches were also instructed to compile records of security incidents for presentation to the NEC.
The latest ultimatum comes amid a long-running cycle of disputes between ASUU and government authorities over funding, salaries, working conditions, university autonomy and the implementation of agreements reached to avert industrial crises.
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