By Jija Bokoti Media
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has authorised 20 universities to begin preparations for industrial action over the alleged failure of the Federal Government and some state governments to fully implement the 2025 FGN-ASUU Agreement.
The decision was reached during the union’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held at the University of Abuja on August 8 and 9, 2026.
Under the resolution, the affected university branches are expected to issue a 14-day ultimatum to their respective governments before proceeding with strike action if their demands are not addressed.
ASUU President, Prof. Christopher Piwuna, announced the decision in a statement issued on Monday. He also disclosed that an emergency NEC meeting would be held towards the end of August or early September to determine further action.
The 20 affected universities are:
- Nasarawa State University, Keffi
- Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai
- University of Medical Sciences, Ondo
- Gombe State University
- Plateau State University, Bokkos
- Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba
- Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma
- Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology, Okitipupa
- Abia State University, Uturu
- University of Education and Entrepreneurship, Akamkpa
- Emmanuel Alayande University of Education, Oyo
- Kaduna State University
- Kano State University of Science and Technology, Wudil
- Northwest University, Kano
- Enugu State University of Science and Technology
- Imo State University
- Niger Delta University
- University of Africa, Toru-Orua
- Bayelsa Medical University
- Taraba State University, Jalingo
ASUU said the decision was driven by what it described as the “haphazard implementation” of the 2025 agreement and delays in the release of funds required to fully implement its provisions.
The union also accused some state governments and university authorities of failing to honour aspects of the agreement, warning that the situation could undermine the progress achieved after years of negotiations.
The 2025 FGN-ASUU Agreement, signed in December 2025 after more than 16 years of negotiations, was designed to address lecturers’ welfare, remuneration, university funding and other longstanding challenges in Nigeria’s public university system.
Among its major provisions was a 40 per cent increase in academic staff remuneration, alongside revised academic allowances and improved welfare packages.
The agreement also introduced the Consolidated Academic Tools Allowance (CATA) and a new Professorial Cadre Allowance, among other measures aimed at improving conditions of service.
However, ASUU has continued to raise concerns over what it considers inadequate or delayed implementation of the agreement.
With the 14-day ultimatums expected to begin taking effect, the latest development has raised concerns over the possibility of another nationwide disruption to academic activities if the outstanding issues are not resolved.
The union also used its NEC meeting to address issues including academic promotions, appointments and worsening insecurity on university campuses, with particular concern over attacks that have claimed the lives of university staff.
Jija Bokoti Media | International News and Magazine
