The outcome of ongoing ASUU-Federal Government negotiations will determine if lecturers proceed with industrial action or resume normal academic activities.
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) is holding a two-day meeting with the Federal Government, addressing unresolved issues in its 2009 agreement and other outstanding demands.
ASUU President, Christopher Piwuna spoke to journalists during the 2025 Harmattan School organized by the Nigeria Labour Congress, emphasizing the union’s unwavering commitment to protecting the education sector.
“Our commitment to prioritise education in Nigeria is unshakable. We will continue to defend this sector no matter the pressure”, Piwuna said.
He criticized the Federal Ministry of Education’s repeated claims that most of ASUU’s demands had been met, noting subtle changes in government statements.
“Previously, they said all our demands were met. Now, they are saying ‘almost all the demands,’” he explained. “There are still unresolved issues, particularly related to our 2009 agreement, which is why we are meeting today and tomorrow”.
Piwuna clarified that no strike has been declared for Friday, despite media reports suggesting otherwise, explaining that these reports referred to the expiration of the union’s ultimatum to the government.
“If this meeting had failed last week, the outcome for Friday would have been clear. But now, with talks ongoing, we hope to update our members before the weekend”.
The union expressed hope that the discussions will produce a resolution that protects lecturers’ interests and strengthens Nigeria’s higher education sector, while emphasizing its readiness to take necessary action if demands are not met.
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