ASUU Strike Grounds Universities Nationwide as FG Orders ‘No Work, No Pay’ Enforcement
Academic activities were brought to a halt in most public universities nationwide on Monday as members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) fully complied with the union’s ongoing two-week warning strike.
PulseNets learnt that the industrial action commenced after the expiration of ASUU’s ultimatum to the Federal Government, marking yet another breakdown in talks aimed at averting a nationwide shutdown of public universities.
Negotiations between ASUU and the government reportedly collapsed despite assurances from the Minister of State for Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, who earlier said that discussions were at an advanced stage. Alausa had stated that the Tinubu administration had made progress, citing the release of ₦50 billion for Earned Academic Allowances and the inclusion of ₦150 billion in the 2025 budget for university needs assessment to be released in tranches.
However, PulseNets obtained documents from ASUU’s leadership indicating that the government later presented a proposal “completely unrelated to what was agreed at plenary, particularly concerning conditions of service.”
According to ASUU President, Prof. Christopher Piwuna, the union’s demands remain clear:
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Conclusion of the renegotiated 2009 FGN/ASUU Agreement based on the Nimi Briggs Committee Draft (2021)
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Release of withheld three-and-a-half months’ salaries from the 2022 strike
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Payment of unpaid salaries of academic staff on sabbatical, part-time, and adjunct roles affected by the IPPIS system
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Settlement of outstanding third-party deductions such as pensions, check-off dues, and cooperatives
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Full funding for revitalization of public universities, and
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Payment of 12-month arrears of the 25%–35% salary adjustment.
The union had earlier warned its members that “any violation of the strike action would attract strict disciplinary measures.”
PulseNets correspondents who monitored the situation across campuses reported total compliance nationwide. At Moses Adasu University, Makurdi, lecture halls were deserted as of midday, with only a handful of students wandering around the campus.
Exams Disrupted Across Universities
Ongoing semester examinations were disrupted in several institutions, including Nasarawa State University, Keffi; University of Benin, Edo State; University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN); University of Jos, Plateau State; and Federal University, Dutse, Jigawa State.
PulseNets gathered that Bayero University, Kano, and Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Bauchi, narrowly completed their examinations before the industrial action began.
At Nasarawa State University, ASUU officials were reportedly seen moving from hall to hall, ordering students to vacate examination venues.
Students Speak to PulseNets
A stranded student at Moses Adasu University, Joseph Adoyi, told PulseNets that the strike disrupted his academic plans.
“This strike really hit me hard. I was hoping to move to 300 level in a few months, but in Nigeria, students plan while ASUU decides. We just pray this two-week warning strike doesn’t become another endless one,” he said.
He added that lecturers had earlier hinted at resuming classes soon, but by Monday morning, students were told to return home.
Similarly, Mary Ajegba, a final-year student of the Federal University, Dutse, lamented to PulseNets that the frequent industrial actions have delayed her graduation.
“If not for ASUU strikes, I should be in camp as a corps member now. They said it’s only two weeks, but from experience, that’s never the end. Every new administration meets ASUU on strike. I wish they’d find another way instead of ruining students’ timelines,” she said.
ASUU Indicates Willingness to Resume Talks
Speaking on Monday, Prof. Piwuna confirmed that the union is open to fresh dialogue with the Federal Government.
“I received a call today from Alhaji Yayale Ahmed, Chairman of the Federal Government Team, expressing readiness to resume discussions. The Minister of State for Labour has also reached out, saying she’s been instructed to mediate. ASUU is ready—we are always open to resolving this issue once and for all,” Piwuna said in an interview monitored by PulseNets.
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Meanwhile, the Federal Government has ordered all Vice-Chancellors of federal universities to implement the ‘No Work, No Pay’ policy against striking lecturers.
A circular dated October 13, 2025, and signed by Dr. Tunji Alausa, directed that salaries be withheld pending the suspension of the strike.
