ASUU Threatens Nationwide Strike Over FG’s Inaction On 2009 Agreement

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Akure Zone, announced on Monday, August 25, that it is rallying its members nationwide for a countrywide protest set for Tuesday, August 26, 2025.

The union stated that this action is part of its ongoing efforts to compel the Federal Government to address its persistent demands.

Adeola Oyebisi Egbedokun, the Zonal Coordinator, revealed this during a press conference at the Federal University of Oye-Ekiti. He described the rallies as the union’s initial firm response to the government’s prolonged inaction, cautioning that the protests are a precursor to further action if issues remain unresolved.

Egbedokun explained that the rallies will occur simultaneously across universities nationwide, with academic activities paused during the demonstrations.

He noted that the National Executive Council (NEC) of ASUU has given the government until its meeting on August 28 to address the union’s demands, after which further steps will be decided.

“For over two years, we have kept faith with dialogue and refrained from strikes, but our patience has reached its limit. If the government continues to play games with the future of our universities, then it must bear the consequences of the storm that will follow,” he warned.

The union outlined its demands, which include renegotiating the 2009 ASUU-FGN Agreement, opposing the TISSF loan scheme—which it called financial coercion—stopping the unchecked establishment of universities, and enhancing retirement benefits for professors and staff.

Egbedokun also called on the public, including the Nigerian Inter-Religious Council (NIREC), National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), traditional rulers, and the National Assembly, to urge the government to avoid an unnecessary confrontation.

He accused the government of hypocrisy and neglect, pointing to the abandonment of the Yayale Ahmed report, the “debt trap” of the TISSF loan scheme, the uncontrolled creation of new universities, and the alleged mistreatment of retired academics.

“This government has chosen to mock knowledge, insult scholars, and trample on the foundation of the nation’s future. Enough is enough,” he declared.

He emphasized that the responsibility to prevent a crisis now lies entirely with the government, stating: “The ball is no longer in our court. It is squarely in theirs. Let them choose: justice or judgment, action or upheaval, peace or storm.”

A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.

Nnamdi Okoli