The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) have united to push for a lasting resolution to the persistent disruptions in Nigeria’s academic calendar.
On Monday, the NLC issued a four-week ultimatum to the federal government to conclude negotiations with all academic and non-academic unions in tertiary institutions nationwide.
The NLC convened a meeting at its national headquarters in Abuja with leaders of ASUU, Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union (COEASU), Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP), and other tertiary education unions to address the ongoing strike and related concerns.
The Nigerian higher education system has been plagued by recurring strikes, with the latest closure of universities prompted by ASUU’s industrial action. ASUU National President, Professor Chris Piwuna, announced the strike at the University of Abuja following the expiry of a 14-day ultimatum issued to the government on September 28. The union cited unresolved issues, including staff welfare, infrastructure, salary arrears, and full implementation of the 2009 ASUU-FGN agreement.
Despite recent negotiations, the government’s efforts—including the release of N50 billion for earned academic allowances and a N150 billion allocation in the 2025 budget for a needs assessment—were deemed insufficient by ASUU. The union demands full implementation of the 2009 agreement, payment of withheld salaries, sustainable university funding, protection against victimisation, and settlement of outstanding promotions and deductions.
The NLC expressed full solidarity with ASUU and other tertiary education unions, urging robust participation and adherence to the principle of “No Pay, No Work” to enforce compliance with collective agreements.
Addressing journalists after the meeting, NLC National President Joe Ajaero said:
“We have decided to give the federal government four weeks to conclude all negotiations in this sector. If after four weeks the negotiation is not concluded, the NEC will take nationwide action involving all unions to address the root of the problem.”
He criticized the government’s no-work-no-pay policy against striking members, stating that most industrial actions in Nigeria result from failure to honor agreements.
Professor Piwuna of ASUU backed the NLC’s stance, emphasizing that the union would no longer negotiate with government representatives lacking proper mandates.
“We will fully back the NLC to ensure the government does not take our unions for granted and gives education the attention it rightly deserves,” he said.
The ASUU strike entered its eighth day on Tuesday, following a two-week warning strike last week, which prompted strong resistance from the government.