ASUU BEGINS TWO-WEEK WARNING STRIKE, HALTING NIGERIAN UNIVERSITIES OVER FUNDING AND WELFARE ISSUES.

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) launched a nationwide two-week warning strike at midnight on Sunday, paralyzing public universities. Announced by ASUU President Prof. Chris Piwuna on October 12, the action follows the government’s failure to meet demands after a 14-day ultimatum expired on September 28.The strike stems from unresolved issues tied to the 2009 ASUU-FGN Agreement, including inadequate university funding, unpaid salaries, and poor welfare. ASUU demands ₦200 billion annually for infrastructure and staff training, payment of three-and-a-half months’ withheld salaries from 2022, and over ₦50 billion in Earned Academic Allowances. The union also protests victimization of members at institutions like Lagos State University and the unchecked creation of underfunded universities.Piwuna called an October 10 meeting with the government “fruitless,” dismissing a last-minute appeal from the Ministry of Education. The ministry, via spokesperson Folasade Boriowo, urged dialogue, citing ₦200 billion budgeted for 2025, but warned of a “no work, no pay” policy.Campuses like Olabisi Onabanjo University and the University of Nigeria Nsukka halted lectures, leaving students frustrated. An X post read, “ASUU strikes again—my degree’s on hold!” NANS plans protests, while CONUA members will continue teaching. With a ₦1.5 trillion GDP contribution at risk, the October 27 deadline looms for negotiations, or an indefinite strike may follow.