The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has once again raised the alarm, declaring that it is fully prepared to embark on what it describes as the “mother of all strikes” if the Federal Government continues to neglect its demands.
Speaking at a press briefing after a crucial National Executive Council (NEC) meeting, ASUU leaders expressed deep frustration over the government’s alleged failure to honour agreements reached in previous negotiations. The Union highlighted lingering issues such as unpaid salary arrears, withheld promotion benefits, poor funding of universities, lack of facilities for research, and the Federal Government’s refusal to fully implement the University Transparency and Accountability Solution (UTAS) as alternatives to the controversial Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS).
The Union maintained that its members have been patient for too long, but the continued neglect of the education sector and the welfare of lecturers can no longer be tolerated. According to ASUU, the Federal Government has repeatedly signed memoranda of understanding and memoranda of action without fulfilling them, leaving Nigeria’s university system in what it described as a “state of near collapse.”
ASUU’s President noted that unless urgent steps are taken, the Union will have no choice but to call for an indefinite nationwide strike, which will paralyze academic activities across all federal and state universities. He further warned that the looming strike will be “the mother of all strikes,” as the Union is ready to mobilize its members nationwide to press home their demands.
The statement has sparked mixed reactions among Nigerians. While students and parents expressed fear of another prolonged shutdown of universities—recalling the devastating impact of the 8-month strike in 2022—some civil society groups have thrown their weight behind ASUU, arguing that government neglect of the education sector is at the root of the recurring crises.
Meanwhile, the Federal Government has yet to issue an official response to ASUU’s threat, but sources suggest that emergency meetings may be convened to avert another nationwide strike.
The possibility of another major disruption in Nigeria’s higher education system has once again thrown students, lecturers, and stakeholders into a state of uncertainty, with many appealing for urgent dialogue and genuine commitment to resolving the long-standing issues.
#BREAKING: ASUU says it is ready for the “Mother of All Strikes” ⚠️📢 | Lecturers accuse FG of neglecting agreements and starving universities of funds. #ASUU #Nigeria #EducationCrisis #StrikeAlert #SaveEducation
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