ASUU Warns Nationwide University Strike Could Resume As Federal Government Delays Critical Negotiations On Academic Welfare

 

The Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, has issued a stern warning that the nation’s universities could face another widespread strike if ongoing negotiations with the Federal Government fail to yield meaningful results before the union’s one-month ultimatum expires. The alert was delivered by ASUU Kano Zonal Coordinator Abdulkadir Muhammad during a news conference held on Monday in Kano, following a zonal meeting attended by representatives of major universities.

Representatives from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria; Bayero University Kano; Kaduna State University; Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology, Wudil; Federal University Dutse; Northwest University, Kano; and Sule Lamido University, Kafin Hausa were all present at the meeting. Muhammad highlighted concerns regarding the slow pace of renegotiations aimed at revitalizing the country’s public university system, describing government engagement as insufficient and lacking genuine commitment.

The union had earlier suspended a warning strike in October, providing the government with a one-month window to meet demands that focus on improving lecturers’ welfare and creating a conducive teaching and learning environment. ASUU’s National Executive Council meeting, held at Taraba State University on November 8 and 9, expressed dissatisfaction with how negotiations have been handled so far, noting that government actions appear disjointed and at times undermining the process.

Muhammad emphasized that the temporary strike suspension was intended as a goodwill gesture towards Nigerians, but growing frustration now threatens to undo this effort. He warned that some government functionaries continue to employ tactics that misrepresent the negotiation process to the public, creating the false impression that ASUU’s demands have already been met.

The Kano zonal coordinator further criticized government proposals, noting that they fall short of improving working conditions for academics or addressing issues that drive brain drain from Nigerian universities. He argued that the current approach will neither attract highly qualified scholars from abroad nor incentivize existing faculty to remain committed to the system.

In addition, ASUU called on the Federal Government to place a moratorium on the establishment of state universities, mirroring policies applied to federal institutions. Muhammad pointed out that several state governments continue to establish universities without providing adequate funding, undermining the quality of education and stretching already limited resources.

The union’s warning signals a potential disruption to academic calendars across the country if resolutions are not reached promptly. ASUU remains firm on its demands, insisting that meaningful negotiation and tangible commitments from the government are essential to avert a nationwide shutdown of universities.