The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has threatened fresh industrial action in 21 universities following the failure of the Federal Government and some state governments to fully implement the 2025 agreement reached with the union.
The union issued a 14-day ultimatum to the affected universities after its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held at the University of Abuja from Saturday, 8 to Sunday, 9 August 2026.
ASUU said the ultimatum became necessary because of what it described as the “haphazard implementation and lackadaisical attitude of the Federal Government” towards the 2025 Federal Government-ASUU agreement.
The union also expressed concern over the failure of visitors to several state universities to implement the agreement, despite the progress made in reaching the deal.
In its resolutions signed by the ASUU President, Professor Christopher Piwuna, NEC authorised the affected branches to begin procedures for strike action after issuing the 14-day ultimatum.
“Permission be granted to the following Branches that have approached NEC for an action, to institute the procedures to embark on strike in order to press home their demands. This is to be preceded by the issuance of a 14-Day ultimatum,” ASUU said.
The universities affected by the ultimatum are Nasarawa State University, Keffi; Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai; University of Medical Sciences, Ondo; Gombe State University; Plateau State University, Bokkos; Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba; Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma; Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology, Okitipupa; Abia State University, Uturu; University of Education and Entrepreneurship, Akamkpa; Emmanuel Alayande University of Education, Oyo; Kaduna State University; Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology, Wudil; Northwest University, Kano; Enugu State University of Science and Technology; Imo State University, Owerri; Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island; University of Africa, Toru-Orua; Bayelsa Medical University, Yenagoa; and Taraba State University, Jalingo.
ASUU warned that failure to address the outstanding issues at the end of the ultimatum would trigger strike action by the concerned branches.
“Upon the conclusion of (i), based on the ultimatum given, the Branches concerned should embark on strike to press home their demands,” the union resolved.
The union further disclosed that branches within the Sokoto Zone had already issued a two-week ultimatum, adding that an emergency NEC meeting would be convened at the end of August or early September 2026 to review developments and take further decisions.
ASUU also maintained its earlier “No-pay-No-work” policy, under which branches are permitted to take action when salaries remain unpaid after the third day of the following month.
It directed branches in federal universities where salaries had been underpaid, including universities of agriculture, to take appropriate action to press their demands.
Beyond the looming industrial action, the NEC meeting also considered the implementation of pension provisions for professors contained in the 2025 agreement.
ASUU said the National Pension Commission had formally written to the Nigerian University Pension Management Company to educate members on the provision that professors who meet the stipulated conditions should retire with pensions equivalent to their last salaries.
The union consequently directed branch chairpersons to mobilise professors to join NUPEMCO as their pension fund administrator of choice.
The NEC also reviewed complaints concerning alleged victimisation of ASUU members at Lagos State University, Lagos State University of Education and Kogi State University, Anyigba.
It urged the relevant authorities to accelerate efforts to resolve the disputes, while also reviewing issues concerning university administration, promotions, elections and campus security.
On insecurity, ASUU expressed “serious concern” over attacks on university campuses that had resulted in the deaths of its members and directed affected branches to pursue justice through the police and other security agencies.
The union also approved the establishment of an ASUU Independent Monitoring Group to observe elections in Nigeria, following its decision to dissociate itself from what it described as the recent conduct of elections in the country.
Meanwhile, NEC approved full and bye-elections for several branches, including Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife; Ladoke Akintola University of Technology; Modibbo Adama University, Yola; Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University; LASUSTECH; Emmanuel Alayande University of Education; and Usmanu Danfodiyo University.
The union’s 2026 Heroes’ Day celebration is scheduled for 12 November, while its next NEC meeting will hold on 13 and 14 November 2026 at the National Secretariat of the union at the University of Abuja, Abuja.
