The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has begun mobilising its members across universities nationwide in preparation for a possible warning strike as its 14-day ultimatum to the Federal Government nears expiration.

The ultimatum, issued on September 28, 2025, is set to lapse next week.

In a circular dated October 5, 2025, and signed by ASUU President, Professor Christopher Piwuna, the union expressed disappointment over what it described as the government’s continued silence and lack of commitment to addressing lingering issues affecting Nigeria’s university system.

According to the circular, the National Executive Council (NEC) of ASUU held an emergency meeting on September 29, 2025, to review the outcome of a referendum conducted across its branches. The council resolved to issue the ultimatum, demanding that the government sign and implement the renegotiated agreement submitted in February 2025.

“I regret to inform you that there is no meaningful development deserving of any consideration to be reported,” Prof. Piwuna stated, lamenting the government’s inaction despite the resolutions being communicated to the Ministers of Labour and Education, as well as the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).

He explained that the ongoing mobilisation was intended to compel the government to honour its commitments, particularly regarding the implementation of the renegotiated agreement and other long-standing demands.

As the ultimatum enters its final week, the ASUU President commended members for their patience and resilience throughout what he called an “unjustifiably prolonged negotiation spanning over eight years.”

“The days ahead call for mobilisation of every member of our union to ensure unity of purpose. No one should be left out of the struggle to defend our welfare, stem the Japa syndrome, and reposition the Nigerian University System for global competitiveness,” he said.

Prof. Piwuna urged members to take directives only from their branch chairpersons and zonal coordinators and to attend congress meetings regularly for updates.

ASUU reiterated that collective strength remains its greatest weapon in the fight to revitalise and strengthen Nigeria’s university system for global relevance.