ASUU Threatens Restarting Nationwide Shutdown Of Universities

The Academic Staff Union of Universities has warned that it may restart its nationwide strike if its ongoing talks with the Federal Government collapse after the one-month ultimatum it issued in October.

The warning came from the union’s Kano zonal coordinator, Abdulkadir Muhammad, during a news briefing in Kano.

ASUU said it called off its warning strike last month to create room for dialogue, hoping the government would address key issues affecting public universities. The union’s demands focus on staff welfare and the need for better teaching and learning conditions across campuses.

The lecturers said negotiations with President Bola Tinubu’s administration have stalled. According to Muhammad, the slow pace of the talks threatens progress and could derail efforts to revitalize the university system.

The update came after a National Executive Council meeting held on November 8 and 9 at Taraba State University. NEC members expressed concern that government representatives are not engaging with enough sincerity, which they say makes it difficult to achieve any meaningful agreement.

ASUU accused some officials of misleading the public by claiming the union’s demands have been met. The union insists the current offers do not improve working conditions, nor do they address the brain drain affecting universities nationwide.

ASUU also urged the Federal Government to halt the creation of new state universities, saying many governors open institutions without providing proper funding. The union warned that unless there is real commitment from the government, a full shutdown of public universities may soon follow.