Lecturers across Nigeria’s public Universities have embarked on a two-week strike, citing unresolved issues over pay, funding, and welfare.
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), led by Professor Chris Piwuna, described the decision as “inevitable,” accusing the Government of failing to honour longstanding commitments.
The industrial action comes only weeks after Universities resumed a new academic year, raising fears of yet another disruption to the academic calendar.
In response, the government has appealed to lecturers to reconsider their stance, insisting that dialogue remains the most effective path toward resolution. Authorities further warned that, in line with the “No Work, No Pay” labour law, striking lecturers will not receive salaries for the duration of the action.
Government officials maintained that a comprehensive offer had been presented to the union, addressing key concerns surrounding working conditions, governance, and staff welfare, while awaiting ASUU’s official response.
The current strike adds to a long history of industrial disputes between the union and successive administrations—dating back to the 1980s—over unmet agreements and inadequate funding. The last major strike in 2022 paralysed academic activities for eight months and affected millions of students nationwide. Analysts say the recurring crises highlight systemic weaknesses in Nigeria’s higher education sector, marked by chronic underfunding, politicised decision-making, and eroded trust between the government and academia.