Students across Nigerian universities have voiced deep frustration and disappointment as the ongoing strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) continues to disrupt academic activities nationwide. The latest wave of the industrial action, which began just as schools were set to commence lectures for the 2025/2026 academic session, has thrown thousands of undergraduates into confusion and uncertainty.
At the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU), students lamented that the strike has halted what was supposed to be the beginning of a new academic year. Many expressed sadness that, after months of waiting to resume, they are once again forced to remain idle due to the impasse between ASUU and the Federal Government.
“This is very discouraging,” said one student from the Department of Biochemistry. “We were just about to start lectures when we heard that our lecturers have joined the strike. Now we don’t even know whether to stay on campus or return home.”
ASUU Chapters Nationwide Comply with Strike Directive
According to reports, several university chapters across the country, including the Abia State University, Uturu (ABSU) chapter, have also complied with the directive to suspend all academic activities. Lecturers under the union say the strike will continue indefinitely until the government addresses all pending demands.
Union members maintain that the ongoing strike is not just about salaries, but also about the persistent neglect of Nigeria’s public universities, poor funding, unpaid allowances, and failure to implement previous agreements reached between the government and ASUU.
One senior lecturer at MOUAU explained that members had no choice but to down tools, saying, “We are not happy about halting academic activities, but this is the only language the government seems to understand. We are tired of unfulfilled promises and unimplemented agreements.”
Fresh Students Hit Hard as Academic Uncertainty Grows
The timing of the strike has been particularly devastating for newly admitted students. For many of them, this was supposed to be their first experience of campus life — registering for courses, attending orientation, and settling into a routine. Instead, they have found themselves stranded, with little clarity about when academic work will resume.
Some parents who had already paid school fees and accommodation costs expressed worry that the prolonged disruption could cause emotional and financial strain on their children. A parent whose daughter recently gained admission into MOUAU said, “We sacrificed a lot to prepare her for school. Now she’s just sitting at home again, waiting for government and lecturers to settle their issues. It’s heartbreaking.”
How the Strike Affects the Academic Calendar
Every prolonged ASUU strike leaves a heavy mark on Nigeria’s higher education system. Students lose valuable academic time, semesters get extended indefinitely, and graduation timelines are pushed forward. The ripple effects often lead to overcrowded academic calendars, rushed exams, and a drop in the overall quality of learning.
In many cases, final-year students are the worst hit, as the strike delays their project work, industrial training, and graduation. Postgraduate students also suffer setbacks in their research timelines, sometimes leading to the loss of grants or scholarships.
ASUU’s Demands and the Federal Government’s Response
At the heart of ASUU’s grievances are issues such as poor university funding, unpaid earned academic allowances, and the need for improved working conditions for lecturers. The union has repeatedly accused the Federal Government of breaching earlier agreements, including those reached in the Memorandum of Action (MoA) and Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) from previous negotiations.
ASUU leaders insist that until the government demonstrates genuine commitment to implementing these agreements, there will be no resumption of academic activities.
On the other hand, government officials have called for patience, claiming that efforts are ongoing to resolve the crisis. However, past experiences have made both lecturers and students skeptical, as similar promises in previous years were left unfulfilled.
Students and Parents Demand Swift Resolution
As the strike drags on, pressure is mounting from students, parents, and civil society groups urging both ASUU and the Federal Government to return to the negotiating table. Many fear that if the situation persists, another academic year could be lost.
Student union leaders across several campuses have started calling for alternative conflict resolution methods, suggesting that dialogue, compromise, and mutual understanding should take precedence over strikes.
“Students are the biggest victims,” said a student representative from the University of Ibadan. “We are always caught in the middle, paying the price for issues we did not create. Education should never be politicized or held hostage by unresolved disagreements.”
Broader Implications for Nigeria’s Education Sector
Beyond the immediate disruption, education analysts warn that the frequent recurrence of ASUU strikes paints a grim picture for the country’s tertiary education system. It not only discourages academic progress but also contributes to the ongoing brain drain, as students and lecturers seek opportunities in countries with more stable academic calendars.
The repeated strikes also undermine Nigeria’s competitiveness globally, as university rankings decline due to prolonged shutdowns and research stagnation.
Experts believe that a lasting solution requires a sincere commitment to funding, autonomy, and accountability in public universities. Without this, the cycle of strikes may continue to haunt the education sector for years to come.
Conclusion
As the ASUU strike continues, Nigerian students remain trapped in a loop of frustration, uncertainty, and delayed dreams. Both sides — the Federal Government and the union — must act swiftly to find a lasting resolution to this recurring crisis.
Until then, thousands of young Nigerians, especially those in institutions like MOUAU and ABSU, will continue to bear the brunt of a system struggling to balance education, policy, and fairness.
The call is clear: end the strike, save the future of Nigerian students.
