Academic activities were paralysed in most public universities across the country on Monday as members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) fully complied with the ongoing two-week warning strike.

The industrial action began following the expiration of ASUU’s ultimatum to the Federal Government after talks to avert another nationwide shutdown failed.

The latest dispute between the union and the government resurfaced despite earlier assurances by the Minister of State for Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, that discussions with aggrieved lecturers and other university-based unions were in the final stages. Alausa had stated that the administration had made significant progress, including the release of ₦50 billion for Earned Academic Allowances and the inclusion of ₦150 billion in the 2025 budget for needs assessment, to be disbursed in three phases.

However, ASUU disclosed that the government presented a document “completely different from the issues discussed at plenary, particularly concerning the conditions of service.”

According to ASUU President, Prof. Christopher Piwuna, the union’s key demands include the conclusion of the renegotiated 2009 FGN/ASUU Agreement based on the Nimi Briggs Committee’s Draft of 2021, the release of withheld three-and-a-half months’ salaries from the 2022 strike, and the payment of outstanding salaries to staff on sabbatical, part-time, and adjunct appointments affected by the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS).

Other demands include the release of outstanding third-party deductions such as pensions, cooperative dues, and check-off contributions; revitalization funding for public universities; and payment of arrears of the 25%–35% salary award for 12 months.

The union had earlier warned its members nationwide that any violation of the strike directive would attract severe sanctions.

Reports from several federal and state universities indicated total compliance with the directive.

At Moses Adasu University, Makurdi, Benue State, all lecture halls were deserted as of midday on Monday, with only a few students spotted on campus.

Strike Disrupts Examinations

The ongoing strike disrupted semester examinations across several universities. Affected institutions include Nasarawa State University, Keffi; Federal University Dutse, Jigawa State; University of Benin, Edo State; University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN); and the University of Jos, Plateau State.

Findings also showed that Bayero University, Kano, and Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Bauchi State, had just concluded their semester examinations before the strike commenced.

At Nasarawa State University, ASUU officials were seen visiting examination halls to enforce compliance and ensure students vacated the premises.

Students React

A student of Moses Adasu University, Joseph Adoyi, expressed frustration over the strike, lamenting that it had disrupted his academic plans.

“The strike really affected me. I thought I would be in 300 level in the next three months, but in Nigerian universities, students propose and ASUU disposes. I just hope it ends within the two weeks,” he said.

Similarly, Mary Ajegba, a final-year student of the Federal University Dutse, said repeated strikes had delayed her graduation.

“If not for the ASUU strikes, I should be a corps member by now. They said this one is for two weeks, but from experience, I don’t think it’ll end soon,” she said. “I wish both parties could find a lasting solution instead of playing with students’ futures.”

ASUU Ready to Resume Talks

ASUU President, Prof. Chris Piwuna, on Monday reaffirmed the union’s readiness to resume dialogue with the Federal Government, describing negotiation as the only viable path to resolving the dispute.

“Today, I received a call from Alhaji Yayale Ahmed, Chairman of the Federal Government Team, who expressed readiness to resume discussions. I also got a call from the Minister of State for Labour, who has been directed to intervene and resolve the issue. ASUU is willing and ready to talk once and for all,” he said during a television interview.

Meanwhile, the Federal Government has directed vice-chancellors of all federal universities to immediately halt the payment of salaries to striking lecturers.

In a circular dated October 13, 2025, and signed by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, the government ordered the enforcement of the “No Work, No Pay” policy in all affected institutions.