With only days left before the expiration of the 14-day ultimatum issued by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), a cloud of uncertainty looms large over government-owned university campuses across Nigeria. Students, particularly those in their final year, are increasingly anxious about the looming nationwide warning strike which may escalate into a total shutdown of academic activities.
The ultimatum, which commenced on Sunday, September 28, 2025, is set to end in just three days, and ASUU has warned that it will embark on a two-week warning strike if the Federal Government fails to act on its unmet demands—some of which have been pending for over eight years.
Students Fear Disruptions
At campuses nationwide, students have expressed growing frustration and concern. Many fear a repeat of past prolonged strikes that not only derailed academic calendars but also affected personal and professional plans.
Edna Boniface, a 500-level student of Forestry and Wildlife at Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ayetoro Campus, lamented how past strikes already disrupted her academic journey.
“What is my offence for aspiring to become a graduate and contribute to knowledge?” she asked.
“I appeal to the government and the staff union to resolve all outstanding matters amicably and consider the plight of innocent students.”
Tajudeen Aleshinloye, a 400-level Business Administration student at Adekunle Ajasin University (AAU), Akungba, Ondo State, said the strike could upend his plans to pursue postgraduate education abroad.
“I plan to complete my learning at AAU and go to Ghana for my Master’s. A strike could thwart my plans and delay my National Youth Service,” he said.
ASUU: No Meaningful Progress, Strike Likely
In a letter dated October 5, 2025, ASUU’s President, Prof. Chris Piwuna, informed its members that the Federal Government had yet to take “acceptable and satisfactory steps” towards resolving the issues outlined in a renegotiated agreement transmitted to the government in February 2025.
“There is no meaningful development deserving of any consideration to be reported,” the letter read.
The letter was sent to all ASUU branches and called for full mobilisation of members in preparation for the looming strike.
“As we enter the second and final week of the ultimatum, the goal of our current action remains principally to compel the government to sign and implement the renegotiated agreement document, amongst other demands,” Piwuna stated.
ASUU also highlighted other unresolved issues, including:
-
Poor welfare of academic staff
-
Dilapidated infrastructure on campuses
-
Delay in the implementation of agreements
-
The growing ‘Japa’ syndrome—the mass exodus of lecturers and students abroad due to poor conditions
Call for Unity and Action
ASUU’s leadership urged all members to remain united and committed to the cause, emphasizing that the union’s strength lies in collective action.
“We are strong when we organise, but weakened when we agonise,” the union said.
“No one should be left out of the struggle for our welfare… and to reposition the Nigerian University System (NUS) for global competitiveness.”
Outlook
With just days left on the ultimatum and no concrete response from the Federal Government, many fear that a full-blown strike is now imminent. The coming week will be critical as students, parents, and stakeholders brace for yet another round of disruptions in Nigeria’s public university system—a scenario that has sadly become all too familiar.
