Strike Looms as ASUU Issues 4-Day Ultimatum Over Unpaid Salary Hikes

BAUCHI – The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has officially placed the Federal Government on a 96-hour countdown, demanding the immediate commencement of the newly approved salary structure for university lecturers.

​The union’s President, Professor Christopher Piwuna, issued the directive on Thursday during an address to members at the Sa’adu Zungur University, Yuli Campus, in Bauchi State. He warned that the “countdown begins immediately,” signaling that the union would resort to “decisive action” should the government fail to comply by the expiration of the window.

​Broken Promises and Budgetary Delays

​The ultimatum follows a December 2025 agreement intended to resolve a 16-year stalemate over the 2009 FG-ASUU pact. While the new pay scale was scheduled for a January 2026 kickoff, many lecturers report they have yet to see the adjustments in their bank accounts.

​Union insiders suggest the delay is tied to the slow passage of the 2026 National Budget, which has reportedly stalled the release of necessary funds to the Government Integrated Financial Management Information System (GIFMIS).

​“We have issued a four-day ultimatum from today to the Federal Government to commence payment,” Piwuna stated. “Failure to comply will attract a strong response from the union. The persistent failure to honor agreements has repeatedly triggered industrial disputes that we are desperate to avoid, but the government’s inaction leaves us little choice.”

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​The “Coventry” Controversy

​Beyond wages, ASUU has opened a new front in its battle with the administration, vociferously opposing the proposed establishment of a branch of Coventry University in Nigeria. The move, discussed during President Bola Tinubu’s recent visit to London, was described by Piwuna as “a new form of colonialism” in the education sector.

​ASUU argues that the Federal Government should prioritize the resuscitation of local institutions—many of which are currently struggling with brain drain and crumbling infrastructure—rather than facilitating foreign competition.

​”Allowing foreign institutions to operate under these conditions undermines the growth and relevance of Nigerian universities,” Piwuna argued, noting that the UK-based institution is reportedly facing its own decline in global admission applications.

​Public Service Tension

​The ultimatum comes at a precarious time for the Federal Government. Just days ago, federal civil servants outside the academic sector threatened nationwide industrial action over outstanding wage awards.

​With the deadline set for early next week, stakeholders in the education sector are watching closely to see if the Ministry of Education will fast-track the implementation or if Nigerian students face another round of indefinite campus closures.