…Two-Week Warning Strike Begins As Both Sides Dig In
By Yinka Giwa
Nigeria’s public universities have once again been thrown into crisis as the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) begins a two-week warning strike over the Federal Government’s alleged failure to meet long-standing demands.
But in a swift countermeasure, Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, announced that the government would enforce the ‘No Work, No Pay’ policy, warning lecturers that salaries would be withheld for the duration of the strike.
In a statement issued by Folasade Boriowo, Director of Press and Public Relations at the Ministry, Alausa said the Federal Government remained open to dialogue but would not condone actions that disrupt the academic calendar.
“The government has demonstrated sincerity, patience, and goodwill in its dialogue with ASUU. Most of their concerns have been addressed,” he stated.
According to him, the administration has implemented a substantial increase in teaching allowances, improved conditions of service, and reconstituted university governing councils to handle internal matters such as promotions and welfare.
“The few remaining issues fall within the jurisdiction of the universities’ governing councils,” Alausa said, adding that the government met all agreed deadlines for submitting its position papers to the union.
He faulted ASUU’s decision to strike despite ongoing engagements, describing it as “unfair to students and the public” given the government’s demonstrated efforts. “ASUU’s action does not reflect a spirit of cooperation,” the minister said.
Alausa reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, which, he said, prioritises staff welfare and the stability of Nigeria’s tertiary education system.
“Dialogue remains the most sustainable way forward,” he maintained. “While the government continues to show goodwill and flexibility, we will uphold fairness and accountability in the use of public resources.”
The minister assured parents and students that the government was “fully committed to maintaining industrial harmony” and called on ASUU to return to the negotiation table in the collective interest of the nation’s higher education system.
He reiterated that the government’s education reform agenda was aimed at enhancing teaching and research conditions, strengthening institutional autonomy, and ensuring that universities thrive in “an environment of mutual respect and innovation.”
However, ASUU President, Mr. Chris Piwuna, announced at a news conference in Abuja that the strike followed the Federal Government’s continued neglect of its obligations, despite a 14-day ultimatum issued on September 28.
According to him, the government’s failure to act left the union with no option but to withdraw services from midnight, Monday, October 13. “The warning strike shall be total and comprehensive,” Piwuna declared.
He listed the union’s grievances to include:
•Conclusion of the renegotiated 2009 FGN/ASUU Agreement
•Payment of withheld 3½ months’ salaries
•Revitalisation and sustainable funding of public universities
•Payment of outstanding 25% salary arrears and four-year promotion arrears
•Release of withheld third-party deductions
•End to alleged victimisation of lecturers at LASU, KSU, and FUTO
Piwuna accused the government of inconsistency and bad faith in negotiations, saying documents recently presented by its team “were a complete departure” from the recommendations of the earlier Yayale Ahmed Committee.
He expressed disappointment that, despite repeated promises, the government had yet to deliver on key agreements. “Our action is not to punish students but to compel the government to revitalise and reposition Nigeria’s public university system,” he said.
Piwuna urged Nigerians to understand the union’s position, insisting that the strike was necessary to save the country’s university system from collapse.