The ongoing rift between the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and the Federal Government has deepened, as lecturers across public universities commence a two-week nationwide warning strike.

This comes after the Federal Government, on Sunday, issued a stern warning that the “no-work-no-pay” rule would be enforced during the industrial action — a move that has sparked outrage among university lecturers.

Dr. John Ogi, a senior lecturer at Moses Adasu University, Makurdi, criticised the government’s stance, describing it as “unreasonable and insensitive.”

Speaking with DAILY POST, Ogi said, “The threat by the federal government disregards the root causes of the strike and undermines the legitimate grievances of university lecturers who are demanding, not begging for, their rightful entitlements.”

He further cautioned that the government’s approach would only deepen distrust and worsen the already strained relationship between lecturers and the authorities.

“Policies that humiliate intellectuals and reduce professionals to a state of dependence akin to almajiri reflect a profound misunderstanding of governance and labour relations,” Ogi added.

The ASUU strike, which began today (Monday, October 13), has effectively shut down all academic activities in federal and state universities across Nigeria.

The union’s demands include the conclusion of the renegotiated 2009 FGN-ASUU agreement, release of withheld salaries, improved university funding, revitalisation of public institutions, and an end to the alleged victimisation of lecturers in certain universities.

Other demands cover payment of outstanding salary arrears, promotion backlogs, and withheld third-party deductions such as cooperative and union dues.

Despite ongoing talks, ASUU claims the government’s latest proposal failed to address key issues. As a result, the union says it had no choice but to embark on the strike — a move many fear could again disrupt Nigeria’s already fragile academic calendar.