The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has initiated a nationwide strike affecting all public universities across Nigeria, beginning from midnight on Monday, October 13, 2025.
During a press conference held at the University of Abuja on Sunday, ASUU National President Prof. Chris Piwuna announced the union’s decision to proceed with the industrial action following the expiration of a 14-day ultimatum issued to the Federal Government on September 28.
“All branches of ASUU are hereby directed to withdraw their services with effect from midnight on Monday, the 13th October, 2025,” Prof. Piwuna stated, emphasizing that the strike would be comprehensive across all member institutions.
Background to the Strike
The strike occurs despite active negotiations between the union and government officials. Earlier last week, Education Minister Dr. Tunji Alausa had indicated that discussions with ASUU and other academic unions were nearing conclusion.
Key issues in the dispute include lecturer welfare and compensation, university funding levels and the implementation of agreements dating back to 2009
The Tinubu administration said it has taken steps t to address union concerns, including the allocation of ₦50 billion for Earned Academic Allowances. Additionally, ₦150 billion has been earmarked in the 2025 budget for university infrastructure needs assessment, scheduled for distribution in three separate installments.
Despite these measures, union leadership determined that insufficient progress had been made to prevent the work stoppage, which represents the latest in a series of labor disputes that have periodically disrupted Nigeria’s higher education sector.
