The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has warned that Nigeria’s public university system could once again face a nationwide industrial action if the Federal Government and state governments fail to fully implement the 2025 agreement reached with the union.
The warning comes amid growing frustration among university lecturers over what ASUU described as the slow, distorted, and poorly coordinated implementation of agreements signed with the government after years of negotiations.
The union issued the warning following its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held at Modibbo Adama University, Yola, on May 9 and 10, 2026.
In a statement released by ASUU President, Chris Piwuna, the union expressed disappointment over the government’s handling of the agreement and warned that continued neglect of lecturers’ welfare and unresolved issues could trigger another prolonged strike in Nigerian universities.
ASUU Says 2025 Agreement Is Being Poorly Implemented
According to ASUU, the excitement and hope generated by the signing and public unveiling of the 2025 Federal Government-ASUU agreement in January 2026 are gradually fading due to the government’s failure to properly implement key aspects of the deal.
The union explained that it had deliberately maintained silence for months while monitoring the implementation process, but decided to speak out after reviewing what it called serious lapses and unresolved issues affecting university lecturers nationwide.
In the statement, ASUU said:
“The momentum generated with the unveiling of the 2025 FGN-ASUU Agreement is fast declining and may soon be completely lost if government fails to fulfil its promise of full implementation.”
The union accused both federal and state authorities of executing the agreement in an inconsistent and uncoordinated manner, noting that only a few state governments have shown genuine commitment to compliance.
Failure to Inaugurate Monitoring Committee Raises Concern
One of ASUU’s major complaints is the Federal Government’s failure to establish the Implementation Monitoring Committee agreed upon during negotiations.
According to the union, the committee was expected to supervise and ensure proper execution of the agreement across all public universities in the country.
ASUU argued that without the monitoring body, university administrators have allegedly begun selectively implementing parts of the agreement while ignoring others.
The union specifically mentioned issues surrounding:
- Consolidated Academic Allowances
- Earned Academic Allowances
- Professorial Allowances
- Salary adjustments under the Consolidated Academic Salary Structure (CONUASS)
ASUU claimed some federal universities were implementing these components inconsistently, thereby creating confusion and dissatisfaction among lecturers.
Fresh Strike Looms as Lecturers Grow Frustrated
The union warned that frustration among its members is increasing due to delays in resolving long-standing welfare issues.
ASUU noted that if the government continues to ignore its concerns, another round of industrial action may become unavoidable.
Some of the unresolved welfare matters highlighted by the union include:
- Outstanding salary arrears
- Promotion arrears
- Unremitted third-party deductions
- Salary shortfalls linked to the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS)
- Withheld salaries from the 2022 ASUU strike
- Delayed pension payments for retired lecturers
- Pension harmonisation issues affecting university staff
The union also accused the National Pension Commission (PenCom) of delaying the harmonisation of pension benefits for retired academics.
ASUU appealed directly to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to personally intervene and address the lingering issues before the situation escalates into another nationwide university shutdown.
Education Minister’s “No More Strikes” Promise Questioned
The latest warning from ASUU appears to contradict earlier assurances made by Nigeria’s Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa.
Recall that in March 2026, the minister had publicly declared that the era of strikes in Nigerian tertiary institutions was over, assuring students, parents, and the public that universities and polytechnics would remain open without disruption.
However, ASUU’s latest position suggests that tensions between the union and the government remain unresolved despite the recent agreement.
ASUU Rejects Proposed Research Funding Structure
Beyond welfare concerns, the union also criticised the Federal Government’s proposed National Research Council and the recently announced National Research and Innovation Development Fund.
ASUU argued that the government’s proposed funding framework does not align with the provisions of the 2025 agreement, which recommended that at least one percent of Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) should be allocated to research, innovation, and development.
The union raised concerns over the proposed $500 million funding structure and questioned whether the government intended to finance the initiative through external borrowing.
According to ASUU, Nigeria’s education sector requires sustainable investment rather than policies that could increase the country’s debt burden.
Union Opposes Foreign University Expansion in Nigeria
ASUU also opposed the planned establishment of a campus for Coventry University in Nigeria under a transnational education partnership.
The union described the move as a threat to local tertiary institutions and warned that encouraging foreign universities to expand into Nigeria without adequately funding local universities could weaken the country’s higher education system.
ASUU maintained that the focus should instead be on improving infrastructure, funding, staffing, and research opportunities within Nigerian universities.
Mother-Tongue Policy Reversal Criticised
The union further criticised the Federal Government’s decision to reverse the mother-tongue policy in early childhood education.
ASUU described the move as backward and argued that indigenous language education remains important for cultural preservation, effective learning, and national identity.
The union also opposed plans to scrap certain university courses considered “irrelevant” by policymakers.
According to ASUU, courses in humanities and social sciences remain critical for developing analytical thinking, leadership skills, innovation, and national development.
ASUU Raises Alarm Over Academic Autonomy and Governance
ASUU additionally faulted the compulsory enrolment of academics into the Nigeria Education Repository Databank, describing it as a violation of academic freedom, institutional autonomy, and data protection laws.
The union also raised concerns over alleged cases of maladministration and questionable appointments within Nigerian universities.
According to ASUU, political interference and poor governance practices continue to damage the credibility and effectiveness of public tertiary institutions across the country.
Rising Economic Hardship and Political Tension Worry ASUU
The union further warned about increasing economic hardship, insecurity, and political tension in Nigeria ahead of the 2027 general elections.
ASUU stated that worsening living conditions are affecting lecturers, students, and ordinary Nigerians, adding that the education sector cannot thrive in an unstable economic environment.
The union urged Nigerians to pressure governments at all levels to fully honour agreements reached with university lecturers and prioritise the future of public education.
ASUU disclosed that its National Executive Council would reconvene in the coming weeks to review developments and decide on the next line of action if the government fails to address the outstanding issues.
