FG Sends Strong Message to ASUU Over 14-Day Warning Strike — Full Details

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Federal Government Responds Firmly to ASUU’s Strike Declaration

The Federal Government of Nigeria has reacted to the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) decision to embark on a 14-day warning strike. The strike, which officially began at midnight on October 13, 2025, followed the expiration of an earlier ultimatum issued by the union. In response, the Federal Government sent a direct and clear message urging the lecturers to return to the negotiation table and avoid further disruptions in the nation’s universities.

According to a statement reported by Channels Television, the government appealed to ASUU to reconsider its action, emphasizing that industrial disputes should not always lead to strikes. The Ministry of Education, through its spokesperson, reiterated the administration’s commitment to resolving lingering issues through constructive dialogue.

ASUU’s Ultimatum and Demands Explained

ASUU had earlier issued a 14-day ultimatum to the Federal Government, demanding the implementation of several outstanding agreements. These include the renegotiation of the 2009 agreement, the release of earned academic allowances, improved funding for public universities, and the reversal of alleged salary discrepancies caused by the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS).

The union insisted that its patience had been stretched beyond limit. According to AllAfrica, ASUU stated that government inaction has crippled public tertiary institutions, forcing academic staff to work under difficult conditions.

FG’s “No Work, No Pay” Policy Reaffirmed

Following ASUU’s announcement, the Federal Government reaffirmed its position on the “No Work, No Pay” policy. The Minister of Education cautioned that any lecturer who abandons their duty post during the warning strike would not be entitled to payment for that period.

Reports from PM News Nigeria revealed that the government emphasized its readiness to enforce the policy strictly, arguing that taxpayer funds must not be wasted on unproductive time. The statement also called on university vice-chancellors to monitor attendance and academic progress during the strike period.

Calls for Dialogue Continue

While tensions rise, several education stakeholders have urged both sides to return to dialogue. The Legit.ng report quoted government officials saying that “the classroom must not be a battlefield.” The Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment also reaffirmed its readiness to mediate between the parties once more.

In reaction, ASUU’s National President stated that the union remains open to discussions but wants “concrete results,” not empty promises. He explained that the warning strike was necessary to alert the government to the urgency of the issues at stake.

Impact on Students and Parents

The news of the strike immediately caused anxiety among students and parents across Nigeria. Many undergraduates expressed frustration, fearing another prolonged disruption of the academic calendar. Parents, on the other hand, urged the government and ASUU to find common ground quickly.

Universities such as the University of Lagos, University of Ibadan, and Ahmadu Bello University have already begun partial compliance, according to field reports. While some departments suspended lectures, others continued academic activities in anticipation of further directives from the union’s national secretariat.

Public Reactions and Expert Opinions

Education analysts and labour experts have weighed in on the dispute. Many argue that recurring industrial actions reflect deeper systemic problems in Nigeria’s higher education sector. They believe that consistent underfunding, poor policy implementation, and weak communication channels between government and unions are to blame.

Dr. Samuel Uche, a public policy expert, told DocuNews Central that strikes have become “a recurring decimal in the education equation.” He added that each strike erodes confidence in the system and drives more students abroad for education, worsening the brain drain problem.

ASUU’s Warning Strike: What Happens Next?

Since this is only a warning strike, the next steps will depend on the Federal Government’s response. ASUU has said that if the government fails to meet its demands within the two-week window, the union might consider an indefinite industrial action. However, sources within the Ministry of Education hinted that another round of talks could begin soon to prevent escalation.

Observers say that both sides have an opportunity to rebuild trust. The coming days will determine whether the strike will end in dialogue or deepen into another prolonged standoff like the one of 2022, which lasted eight months.

How Nigerians Are Reacting Online

On social media, Nigerians are actively discussing the issue. Many expressed disappointment over the continuous cycle of strikes that disrupt university education. Others defended ASUU’s position, arguing that the lecturers’ concerns are legitimate and long overdue. The hashtags #ASUUStrike and #EducationCrisis have begun trending on X (formerly Twitter), as users share their frustrations and suggestions.

Some commentators, including prominent education advocates, called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene personally. They believe a presidential-level dialogue would send a strong signal of commitment to resolving the crisis.

ASUU’s Long Battle with Government

Historically, ASUU’s struggles with the Federal Government date back decades. Since 1999, the union has embarked on over 15 strikes, mostly over the same core issues—funding, welfare, and university autonomy. While several agreements have been signed, implementation has remained inconsistent.

The union insists that until these recurring challenges are fully addressed, industrial peace in universities will remain elusive. The government, however, argues that it has made progress in disbursing revitalization funds and clearing salary arrears, even if slowly.

The Road Ahead for Nigeria’s Education Sector

Experts believe that the long-term solution lies in a new model of educational financing and transparent accountability. A performance-based funding system, where universities get more support based on measurable outcomes, has been proposed by several reform committees.

For students, the hope remains that both ASUU and the Federal Government will act responsibly to safeguard their future. Sustainable dialogue and mutual respect will go a long way in ensuring stability in Nigeria’s tertiary education sector.

Conclusion: Time to End the Cycle

The Federal Government’s message to ASUU may sound stern, but it underscores a fundamental truth — Nigeria cannot afford another prolonged university shutdown. The nation’s youth deserve uninterrupted education and opportunities to thrive.

As the strike enters its crucial phase, all eyes are on both parties. Will dialogue triumph over confrontation? Only time will tell. Meanwhile, DocuNews Central will continue to provide verified updates on this developing story.

Source References:

• Channels TV
• PM News Nigeria
• AllAfrica
• Legit.ng

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