The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has warned that it may resume a nationwide strike following what it describes as the Federal Government’s persistent failure to implement the long-standing 2009 ASUU–FG agreement. The union issued the warning after a series of internal reviews and consultations across its various zones.

Speaking during a press briefing, ASUU leaders expressed frustration over the government’s “lack of seriousness” in addressing key issues affecting public universities. According to the union, major areas of concern include university funding, salary review, earned academic allowances, the proliferation of universities without adequate funding, and the renegotiation of conditions of service for lecturers.

ASUU noted that several committees had been set up over the years to address these concerns, but none had produced tangible implementation. “We have held meetings, we have submitted documents, and committees have been formed, yet there is no meaningful progress,” the union stated.

The Owerri Zone of ASUU earlier announced that lecturers may withdraw their services by 21 November 2025 if the Federal Government fails to honor its commitments. The union insists that the welfare of academic staff continues to deteriorate, with many lecturers leaving the country due to poor work conditions and inadequate remuneration.

Students and parents across the country are already expressing concern about a potential shutdown of federal and state universities. Many fear that another strike could destabilize the academic calendar, which has only recently recovered from previous disruptions.

In response, government officials have appealed for patience, stating that efforts are underway to address the issues raised by the union. They promised that negotiations would continue in the coming days to avert another nationwide strike.

Despite these assurances, ASUU maintains that unless concrete action is taken, it will have no choice but to embark on industrial action. The union emphasized that its demands are not new, but simply a call for the government to respect agreements already signed.

As tension builds, the fate of millions of university students hangs in the balance, with the possibility of another prolonged strike looming over the nation’s tertiary education system.