The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has threatened a fresh wave of industrial action following the Federal Government’s failure to fully implement the landmark December 2025 agreement intended to end a 16-year impasse.
The relative peace in Nigeria’s public university system is under threat as the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) warned of an impending showdown over the “flawed and partial implementation” of the December 2025 agreement. Following a National Executive Council (NEC) meeting at Modibbo Adama University, Yola, the union expressed deep frustration that the landmark accord—originally set for full implementation on January 1, 2026—has remained a mirage at the federal level. While some institutions have adopted components of the deal, which includes a 40 per cent salary increase and revamped Earned Academic Allowances, ASUU President Prof. Christopher Piwuna noted that the government’s “disinterestedness” is fueling a “pent-up anger which could erupt into a new wave of industrial unrest if not addressed.”
Central to the union’s grievances is the government’s reluctance to resolve several lingering financial issues, including three-and-half months of withheld salaries, promotion arrears, and shortfalls caused by the IPPIS platform. Prof. Piwuna highlighted that unremitted third-party deductions and arrears from the 25-35 per cent wage award continue to strain the welfare of Nigerian academics. “The union appeals to all genuine patriots, well-meaning Nigerians and lovers of Nigeria to prevail on State and Federal governments to fully implement the new Agreement and resolve other outstanding issues in the interest of parents, students and the nation at large,” the statement urged, as lecturers face deteriorating economic conditions despite the promised reforms.
In preparation for a potential strike, the union has directed an emergency NEC meeting to be convened in the coming weeks to review the government’s response and determine the next course of action. Although the leadership maintains that “Our union’s doors remain open for working with government to realise all our demands,” the tone of the Yola resolution suggests a rapidly closing window for diplomacy. With the implementation of the 2009 pact’s renegotiated terms stalled five months after the official start date, the academic calendar now hangs in the balance as stakeholders wait to see if the authorities will move to avert a total shutdown of the nation’s ivory towers.
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