The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has moved 20 universities closer to possible industrial action, directing their branches to issue 14-day ultimatums to the relevant authorities over the alleged failure to fully implement the 2025 FGN-ASUU Agreement.
Newsonspot reports that the decision was reached at the union’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held at the University of Abuja on August 8 and 9, 2026.
According to a statement signed by ASUU President, Prof. Christopher Piwuna, the affected branches are expected to issue the ultimatum before proceeding with strike action if their demands are not addressed.
The union also resolved to hold an emergency NEC meeting at the end of August or early September to review developments and determine its next course of action.
20 Universities Listed
The universities directed to begin the process are:
Nasarawa State University, Keffi
Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai
University of Medical Sciences, Ondo
Gombe State University
Plateau State University, Bokkos
Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba
Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma
Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology, Okitipupa
Abia State University, Uturu
University of Education and Entrepreneurship, Akamkpa
Emmanuel Alayande University of Education, Oyo
Kaduna State University
Kano State University of Science and Technology, Wudil
Northwest University Kano
Enugu State University of Science and Technology
Imo State University
Niger Delta University
University of Africa, Toru-Orua
Bayelsa Medical University
Taraba State University, Jalingo
ASUU said the affected branches would commence strike action after the expiration of the 14-day ultimatum if the outstanding issues remain unresolved.
The union added that branches in the Sokoto Zone had already issued a two-week ultimatum.
Why ASUU Is Threatening Strike
ASUU said its latest decision was driven by what it described as the “haphazard implementation” of the 2025 FGN-ASUU Agreement and the alleged failure of the Federal Government to release the necessary subvention to ensure full implementation.
The union also accused some state governments and university authorities of failing to implement the agreement in their institutions.
ASUU said the situation was threatening the progress made after the agreement was finally signed following years of negotiations.
The 2025 FGN-ASUU Agreement was reached after more than 16 years of negotiations and was expected to address some of the long-standing problems affecting lecturers and Nigeria’s public university system.
What The 2025 Agreement Provides
One of the major provisions of the agreement was a 40 per cent increase in the remuneration of academic staff, effective from January 1, 2026.
The agreement also introduced the Consolidated Academic Tools Allowance (CATA), designed to cover expenses related to journal publications, membership of professional and learned societies, conferences, internet access and books.
A new Professorial Cadre Allowance was also introduced. Professors are entitled to N1.74 million annually, equivalent to N145,000 monthly, while readers are to receive N840,000 annually or N70,000 monthly.
The agreement further provides for improved Earned Academic Allowances, including payments connected to postgraduate supervision and other academic responsibilities.
Beyond salaries and allowances, the pact was also expected to address research, infrastructure, institutional development and the general welfare of university staff.
Implementation Remains A Major Concern
Despite the agreement, ASUU said implementation has continued to be a major challenge.
The union had previously complained that some universities were only partially implementing the salary component, while others had allegedly failed to implement it.
It also raised concerns over delays in establishing an Implementation Monitoring Committee, which it said was necessary to prevent bureaucratic delays and ensure that all aspects of the agreement were implemented.
ASUU warned that the failure to resolve the outstanding issues could undermine the gains achieved through the agreement and once again destabilise the university system.
Union Raises Other Concerns
The NEC meeting also considered issues relating to academic promotions and appointments in some universities.
At the Federal University Lokoja, ASUU commended the withdrawal of two professorial appointments following opposition and investigations by the university’s branch.
At the Federal University Wukari, however, the union expressed concern over the promotion of a former registrar to the professorial cadre.
ASUU subsequently directed its branches to resist the promotion of bursars and registrars who do not meet the professorial promotion requirements of their respective universities.
The union also raised concerns over insecurity on university campuses, particularly incidents that have resulted in the deaths of its members.
It directed affected branches to petition the police and other relevant security agencies while compiling documented cases of insecurity for submission to the national leadership.
With the 14-day ultimatums now looming, attention will be focused on whether the Federal and state governments will address ASUU’s concerns before the deadline expires.
Failure to resolve the issues could once again bring academic activities in several Nigerian universities to a standstill.
