The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has officially confirmed that it has entered into dialogue with the Federal Government’s negotiation team as the union’s two-week warning strike reaches its seventh day. The ongoing discussions, which began earlier this week, offer a glimmer of hope that the prolonged crisis between university lecturers and the government may soon find a path toward resolution.
This latest development marks a critical moment for Nigeria’s higher education sector, as thousands of students across federal and state universities remain idle while the union continues to press for improved working conditions, implementation of previous agreements, and respect for university autonomy.
ASUU’s Negotiations with the Federal Government
ASUU’s National President, Dr. Christopher Piwuna, confirmed that the union’s leadership is actively engaged in talks with the Federal Government’s renegotiation committee, led by Yayale Ahmed, a former Head of Service of the Federation.
According to the ASUU president, significant progress has been recorded in discussions, with about five out of the union’s seven major demands reportedly addressed to a considerable extent. This, he noted, reflects a level of commitment by the government team to find a middle ground that could end the current industrial action.
Piwuna emphasized that the dialogue has so far been constructive, though the union remains cautious until all issues are conclusively resolved. He urged members to stay united, avoid misinformation, and rely solely on verified updates from branch chairpersons.
Breakdown of ASUU’s Key Demands
The ongoing negotiation revolves around the seven-point demand presented by the union to the Federal Government. These demands are centered on financial obligations, institutional autonomy, welfare, and systemic reforms in the university sector.
Below is a summary of ASUU’s major concerns and the progress made so far:
| S/N | ASUU Demand | Current Status | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Release of Third-Party Deductions | Progress Recorded | ASUU reports that discussions have been fruitful on the delayed remittances deducted from members’ salaries for cooperative societies and welfare schemes. |
| 2 | Payment of Promotion Arrears | Progress Recorded | The government has reportedly agreed to settle arrears of earned promotions across several federal universities. |
| 3 | Mainstreaming of Earned Academic Allowances (EAA) | Progress Recorded | Negotiations show that the integration of EAAs into university salary structures is being prioritised. |
| 4 | Confiscation of University of Abuja Land | Ongoing Discussion | The union insists on the return of seized land belonging to the institution. |
| 5 | Victimisation of Members in Certain Universities | Ongoing Discussion | ASUU demands justice for victimised members, especially at LASU and FUTO. |
| 6 | Implementation of Past Agreements | Progress Recorded | The government reportedly acknowledged the need for full implementation of the 2009 and 2020 renegotiation terms. |
| 7 | Restoration of University Autonomy | Progress Recorded | The union stressed that universities must retain control over their internal governance, promotions, and academic policies. |
ASUU’s Stand and Message to Members
In a communiqué issued to all university branches, ASUU leadership reiterated that the ongoing talks do not imply the suspension of the strike yet. Instead, the union will continue to observe the progress of negotiations before taking any decisive action.
Dr. Piwuna reminded members that branch chairpersons remain the only reliable source of verified information, warning against rumours and misleading media reports. He emphasized that unity and collective action remain the union’s greatest strength in achieving lasting change within the Nigerian university system.
The Federal Government’s Position
While the government’s negotiation team has not issued a formal statement, insider sources revealed that the Yayale Ahmed-led committee is keen on resolving the crisis swiftly. The team is reportedly exploring pragmatic steps to address funding challenges, promotion arrears, and the lingering issues around the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS), which has long been a bone of contention with university staff.
Officials from the Ministry of Education have hinted at optimism, stating that the federal government is taking a more conciliatory approach to ensure that lecturers return to classrooms soon.
Impact of the Strike on Students and Universities
As the strike enters its second week, academic activities remain paralyzed across Nigerian universities. Thousands of students have expressed growing frustration over the disruption of lectures, delayed examinations, and uncertainty surrounding their academic calendars.
The recurring nature of these strikes has had a devastating effect on university productivity, research output, and student morale. Parents and education advocates have continued to call on both ASUU and the government to expedite a lasting resolution that will prevent further disruptions in the tertiary education sector.
ASUU’s Historical Struggle for Educational Reform
The ongoing strike is not an isolated event but part of a long-running dispute between ASUU and the Federal Government that spans decades. The union has consistently fought for:
- Improved university funding.
- Academic freedom and autonomy.
- Fair remuneration and working conditions for lecturers.
- Implementation of agreements reached in previous negotiations.
Past strikes have often led to temporary resolutions, but many of the agreed terms remain unimplemented, leading to repeated industrial actions. This cycle has eroded public confidence in the government’s commitment to university reform.
What to Expect in the Coming Days
As talks progress, there are cautious signs that both sides are moving closer to an agreement. The next few days are expected to be decisive as ASUU’s National Executive Council (NEC) prepares to review updates from the ongoing negotiation sessions.
If the government meets more of the union’s demands within the two-week warning strike period, there is a possibility of strike suspension or extension depending on the level of implementation achieved.
However, should the discussions stall or promises remain unfulfilled, ASUU may escalate its industrial action into a full-scale strike — a move that could shut down Nigerian universities indefinitely.
