Nigeria’s Public Universities Face Shutdown as ASUU Begins Indefinite Strike Over Wage Dispute

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has announced plans to commence an indefinite nationwide strike on Friday, November 21, following what it described as the federal government’s continued failure to meet its core demands.

The union disclosed the decision in an official statement posted on its X account on Tuesday, confirming that all public universities could be shut down indefinitely if the government does not address lingering issues affecting the education sector.

FG Yet to Implement Critical Agreements

ASUU said the one-month ultimatum it issued earlier had lapsed without meaningful progress, leaving the union with no option but to escalate its industrial action. The union accused the federal government of selectively implementing previous agreements despite repeated interventions.

According to ASUU, unresolved matters include fair remuneration for lecturers, better working conditions, and reforms aimed at preventing the ongoing brain drain that continues to weaken Nigeria’s university system.

35% Salary Offer Rejected

The union criticized the federal government’s proposed 35 percent salary increase for academic staff, describing it as inadequate and out of touch with current economic realities.

ASUU noted that it suspended a two-week warning strike in October with hopes of reaching a lasting resolution, particularly regarding the renegotiation of the 2009 FGN/ASUU Agreement. However, the union says none of the major issues have been sufficiently addressed.

Universities May Shut Down Nationwide

“All universities will be closed till further notice on Friday,” the union warned, emphasizing that the strike would not be suspended until the government shows clear commitment to meeting its obligations.

The looming shutdown threatens to disrupt academic calendars across public universities, compound ongoing delays in the education sector, and escalate concerns over the future of tertiary education in Nigeria.