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| Photo of University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN |
UNN ASUU declares readiness to join a nationwide strike over unmet demands, unpaid salaries, and unfulfilled 2009 agreements with the Federal Government.
UNN ASUU Issues Warning to Federal Government
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN) chapter, has announced its preparedness to join a nationwide indefinite strike if the Federal Government fails to address the union’s long-standing demands.
Speaking after a congress meeting and protest rally in Nsukka, ASUU-UNN Chairman, Dr. Oyibo Eze, said the government would be solely responsible for the consequences of a strike. He stressed that the failure to implement agreements dating back to 2009 ASUU-FG negotiations proves that education is not being prioritized in Nigeria.
“The government’s inability to fulfill agreements with our union since 2009 is deeply unfortunate. It demonstrates a clear disregard for education,” Eze stated.
Key Demands of ASUU UNN
During the rally, lecturers called on the Federal Government to urgently fulfill all pending agreements and resolve outstanding salary arrears.
The union’s major demands include:
- Implementation of the 2009 ASUU-FGN Agreement.
- Payment of three-and-a-half months’ outstanding salaries.
- Settlement of 25% and 35% wage awards owed to lecturers.
- Adequate funding and revitalization of public universities.
Eze explained that the high turnout for the protest reflected the frustration of members who are determined to back a national ASUU strike if the situation remains unresolved.
Protest Rally at University of Nigeria Nsukka
The peaceful rally, organized in compliance with ASUU’s national leadership, saw lecturers marching across major roads on campus before concluding at the university’s administrative building.
Placards carried by members read:
- “Federal Government, honour the 2009 ASUU agreement.”
- “Our wives and children are hungry; pay our three-and-a-half months’ salaries.”
- “FG, please pay lecturers’ wage awards of 25% and 35%.”
According to NAN, the protest was one of several demonstrations across the country aimed at pressing the government to act swiftly to avoid an indefinite industrial action.
UNN Leadership Reacts to ASUU Protest
Addressing the protesters, UNN Vice-Chancellor Prof. Simon Ortuanya, represented by Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) Prof. Romanus Ezeokonkwo, commended the lecturers for maintaining a peaceful rally.
The VC urged ASUU to consider strike action only as a last resort, noting that prolonged industrial actions often disrupt the academic calendar and affect students’ future. He also pledged to forward the union’s demands to the Federal Ministry of Education.
Next Steps: NEC Meeting to Decide on Strike
The ASUU National Executive Council (NEC) is scheduled to meet on September 2, 2025, after a prior discussion with the Federal Government on August 28, 2025. The outcome of these meetings will determine whether the union proceeds with a nationwide indefinite strike.
ASUU’s national leadership has already directed all branches to conduct campus protest rallies and hold referenda to gauge members’ support for the proposed strike.
The UNN ASUU protest underscores the mounting tension between lecturers and the Federal Government over unpaid salaries, unimplemented agreements, and inadequate funding of public universities. If urgent steps are not taken to address these grievances, Nigeria’s higher education system may once again face the disruptions of a prolonged nationwide ASUU strike.
