Latest Update: ASUU-FG Negotiations Ahead of October 13, 2025 Warning Strike
As the countdown continues toward the **two-week warning strike** scheduled for **October 13, 2025**, the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and the Federal Government are locked in tense negotiations. Multiple developments over the past few days have shed light on both sides’ latest moves to either push or avert the strike.
1️⃣ ASUU Meets Student Leaders to Explain Strike Reasons
The ASUU chapter at the University of Jos (UNIJOS) held a meeting with student leaders to clarify the reasons behind the proposed strike. Union leaders explained that the planned action stems from years of government neglect, delayed salaries, and the non-implementation of agreements that date back over a decade.
According to ASUU officials, the meeting aimed to ensure students understand the union’s objectives rather than viewing the strike as punitive. Source: The Guardian Nigeria
2️⃣ ASUU Urges Urgent Measures for Welfare and Facilities
In a related development, ASUU called for immediate steps to improve members’ welfare and the condition of teaching facilities. The union emphasized that poor funding, outdated equipment, and unpaid allowances have crippled productivity in many federal universities.
3️⃣ Federal Government’s Last-Minute Plea
Amid growing tension, the Federal Government appealed to ASUU to suspend its planned strike. However, ASUU President, Prof. Chris Piwuna, described the appeal as “coming a little too late,” insisting that meaningful action—not promises—was needed.
“We’ve heard appeals before, but words alone cannot solve structural decay.”
4️⃣ FG Enters Final Phase of Negotiations
Government officials confirmed they are in the “final phase” of negotiations to avert the strike. Talks are reportedly focused on implementing parts of the renegotiated 2009 agreement, resolving payment arrears, and releasing revitalization funds for universities.
Source: Nigerian Observer News
5️⃣ FG Proposes ₦150 Billion University Revitalization Fund
To demonstrate commitment, the Federal Government has proposed a ₦150 billion “needs assessment fund” to address key infrastructural gaps in public universities. However, ASUU maintains that such promises must be backed by concrete timelines and signed documentation before any strike suspension can be considered.
6️⃣ Students Show Mixed Reactions
At the University of Jos and other campuses, students expressed divided opinions—some supporting ASUU’s fight for better conditions, while others fear another academic disruption. Student bodies have urged both parties to reach a sustainable agreement that protects education stability.
7️⃣ Tinubu Moves to Avert Strike — ₦200B Intervention Announced
President Bola Tinubu has reportedly approved the establishment of an expanded tertiary education negotiation committee and announced a ₦200 billion intervention fund for universities, aimed at addressing infrastructure and welfare concerns. The government hopes this gesture will persuade ASUU to reconsider its position.
Conclusion
As of now, ASUU maintains its stance that the warning strike will begin on October 13 unless firm commitments are made. Meanwhile, the Federal Government continues behind-the-scenes discussions to prevent another round of academic disruption. Nigerian students are advised to stay updated as the situation unfolds.