The Academic Staff Union of Universities has directed 20 universities to begin preparations for industrial action over the alleged failure of the Federal Government and state governments to fully implement the 2025 FGN-ASUU Agreement.
The union gave the affected institutions a 14-day ultimatum, after which their branches are expected to commence strike action if the outstanding issues are not resolved.
The decision was reached at ASUU’s National Executive Council meeting held at the University of Abuja on August 8 and 9, 2026.
In a statement issued on Monday, ASUU President, Prof. Christopher Piwuna, said the union would hold an emergency NEC meeting at the end of August or early September to determine its next line of action.
The affected universities include 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; and the University of Education and Entrepreneurship, Akamkpa.
Others are 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; and Taraba State University, Jalingo.
ASUU said branches in the Sokoto Zone had already issued a two-week ultimatum.
The union attributed its latest decision to what it described as the “haphazard implementation” of the 2025 agreement and the Federal Government’s alleged delay in releasing funds required for its full implementation.
According to ASUU, although the signing of the agreement represented a major milestone after years of negotiations, implementation has not matched the expectations of university lecturers.
The union also criticised the failure of authorities overseeing some state-owned universities to implement the agreement, warning that the situation could undermine the progress achieved by the pact.
The 2025 FGN-ASUU Agreement, signed in December 2025 after more than 16 years of negotiations, was designed to address issues surrounding lecturers’ welfare, remuneration, working conditions, research and funding of public universities.
One of its major provisions was a 40 per cent increase in academic staff remuneration, effective from January 1, 2026. The Federal Government announced in February that implementation of the salary increase had commenced.
The agreement also introduced the Consolidated Academic Tools Allowance, which covers expenses such as academic publications, membership of professional bodies, conferences, internet services and books.
Under the agreement, professors are entitled to a Professorial Cadre Allowance of N1.74 million annually, equivalent to N145,000 monthly, while readers are entitled to N840,000 annually, or N70,000 monthly.
It also reviewed Earned Academic Allowances covering responsibilities such as postgraduate supervision, alongside other welfare provisions.
However, ASUU has repeatedly raised concerns over delays and partial implementation of the agreement.
The union complained in May that some universities had only implemented part of the salary adjustment, while others had yet to implement it.
The union also expressed concern over delays in setting up an Implementation Monitoring Committee, which it said was necessary to ensure effective compliance with the agreement.
The latest ultimatum has raised fears of another disruption in Nigeria’s university system if the outstanding issues are not resolved within the stipulated period.
Beyond the implementation dispute, ASUU’s NEC also discussed academic promotions and appointments in some universities, insecurity on campuses and attacks involving members of the union.
The union directed affected branches to report security incidents to the police and other relevant agencies and compile cases of insecurity for submission to its national leadership.
