The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN) branch, has declared its readiness to join a nationwide indefinite strike if the Federal Government fails to address its long-standing demands.
Chairman of ASUU-UNN, Oyibo Eze, made this known on Tuesday while briefing journalists in Nsukka after the union’s congress and a protest rally by members.
Government Blamed for Impasse
Eze warned that the government would bear full responsibility if lecturers down tools nationwide. He stressed that the government’s failure to honour agreements signed with ASUU since 2009 shows that education is not a national priority.
“The government’s inability to fulfil agreements with our union since 2009 is deeply unfortunate. It demonstrates a clear disregard for education,” Eze said.
Protest and Demands
The rally, held in line with ASUU’s national directive, sought to pressure the government into implementing agreements and paying outstanding entitlements.
According to Eze, ASUU members are demanding:
- Immediate implementation of all agreements with the union.
- Payment of three-and-a-half months’ salaries owed to lecturers.
- Settlement of wage awards of 25% and 35%.
“Our congress urged the government to implement all agreements with ASUU and to pay the salaries owed to our members. That is why you see a large turnout for today’s protest. Enough is enough,” Eze declared.
NEC Meeting to Decide Next Action
ASUU’s National Executive Council (NEC) is expected to meet on September 2, 2025, after discussions with the Federal Government on August 28, 2025, to determine whether a nationwide strike will commence.
UNN VC Calls for Dialogue
The protest ended at the university’s administrative building, where Vice-Chancellor Prof. Simon Ortuanya, represented by Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) Prof. Romanus Ezeokonkwo, addressed demonstrators.
He commended the union for maintaining a peaceful protest but urged ASUU to consider strike action only as a last resort after dialogue with the government. The VC also pledged to forward the union’s demands to the Federal Ministry of Education.
Protest Messages
Lecturers carried placards with messages such as:
- “Federal Government, honour the 2009 ASUU agreement”
- “Our wives and children are hungry; pay our three-and-a-half months’ salaries”
- “FG, please pay lecturers’ wage awards of 25% and 35%”
The rally is part of ASUU’s nationwide mobilisation efforts, with branches directed to hold protests and congress referenda to decide on backing for a strike.
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