The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has warned of possible industrial action if federal and state governments fail to implement the December 2025 agreement and settle pending welfare issues. The union issued the warning after a four-day National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Yola, which concluded on Monday with a press briefing. ASUU described the implementation of the agreement as "distorted" or nonexistent, citing unresolved issues including three-and-a-half months of withheld salaries, unpaid promotion arrears, and discrepancies in salary payments through the IPPIS platform.
The union also raised concerns over unremitted third-party deductions and the non-payment of a 25-35% wage award. ASUU President Christopher Piwuna stated that growing frustration among university academics due to government inaction could lead to a new wave of industrial unrest. He said the union remains open to dialogue with the government to resolve all outstanding matters. However, the NEC has directed that an emergency meeting be called within the next few weeks to assess progress and determine necessary next steps.
ASUU called on patriotic Nigerians, parents, and students to pressure federal and state governments to fully honour the agreement. The union emphasized its willingness to collaborate with authorities but stressed that continued neglect may force members to take unspecified actions. No strike date was announced, but the threat remains contingent on government response. The union did not provide details on what form any potential action might take.
ASUU demands full implementation of a 2025 agreement while simultaneously planning new actions, exposing a cycle of negotiation and threat without resolution. The union's unresolved salary and promotion issues directly affect university lecturers' livelihoods and job stability. Its call for public pressure shifts responsibility from government accountability to citizens' intervention. Without a clear timeline or defined consequences, the threat risks becoming routine rather than urgent.
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