The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has issued a stark warning to the Federal Government, declaring its readiness to launch what it describes as the "mother of all strikes" if longstanding demands, particularly the release of N150 billion in revitalisation funds for public universities, are not met promptly.
In a strongly worded statement delivered during a press conference on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, ASUU President Prof. Chris Piwuna expressed deep frustration over the government's failure to implement key aspects of the 2009 Federal Government-ASUU Agreement.
He highlighted the union's patience since the inception of President Bola Tinubu's administration, noting that no major strike has occurred in nearly a year, but emphasized that this restraint is wearing thin.
"We are prepared for the mother of all strikes," Piwuna declared, underscoring the union's resolve amid what he called a "hostile work environment and debilitating conditions of service" faced by members over the past two years.
The ASUU leader pointed to the tortuous renegotiation process of the 2009 agreement, which has dragged on since 2017, with the Nimi Briggs-led committee's draft from 2021 still unsigned despite a review by the Yayale Ahmed Committee in December 2024.
Piwuna lamented the limbo in which ASUU members find themselves, five months after the review, and accused both federal and state governments of paying mere "lip-service" to education and the welfare of university academics.
He called for immediate action on several fronts, including:The conclusion and signing of the renegotiated 2009 FGN/ASUU Agreement based on the 2021 draft.
Release of the N150 billion revitalisation funds, agreed to be disbursed within four weeks starting from last month.
Payment of three-and-a-half months' withheld salaries from the 2022 strike.
Settlement of unpaid salaries for staff on sabbatical, part-time, and adjunct appointments.
An end to the erosion of university autonomy and resolution of struggles in state universities.
The union's National Executive Council (NEC) meeting, which preceded the press conference, exhaustively evaluated the government's disposition and concluded that little has changed despite ongoing engagements.
Piwuna urged the Yayale Ahmed Committee to reconvene with principals and respond swiftly, warning that the union has "exhausted its patience."
This threat comes against the backdrop of recent government efforts to stabilize the education sector.
Last month, the Federal Government released N50 billion to academic and non-academic staff unions in federal universities for earned allowances, fulfilling a promise by President Tinubu.
The President has reiterated his commitment to education, stating that strikes in institutions "will soon become a thing of the past" and highlighting one of the longest uninterrupted academic sessions in recent history due to mutual understanding between the government and the university community.
However, stakeholders express concern over the potential disruption. Deputy National President of the National Parent Teacher Association of Nigeria (NAPTAN), Chief Adeolu Ogunbanjo, appealed for dialogue, noting that parents are weary of strikes that force children home and expose them to risks.
"Government and ASUU are responsible for education. If certain areas of the 2009 Agreement cannot be met, the government should say so openly. We are tired of ASUU strikes because of more money," Ogunbanjo said.
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