The Federal Government has vehemently opposed the new strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), with the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, asserting on Monday that the government has met “every single request” made by the union.
Speaking on Channels Television, Alausa declared there was “no need for this strike,” stating, “We have addressed every single request by ASUU… and are pleading with them to go back to school.”
ASUU Declares Two-Week Strike
The Minister’s remarks follow the union’s declaration of a two-week total and comprehensive warning strike, effective midnight Monday, October 13, 2025. ASUU National President, Prof. Chris Piwuna, had announced the strike Sunday, maintaining that the government had failed to meet its demands.
Minister Outlines Interventions
Alausa outlined the government’s efforts, stating that N50 billion has been paid toward academic allowances and that the 2025 budget includes a N683 billion infrastructure allocation for tertiary institutions.
Crucially, the Minister accused ASUU of contributing to delays in fund disbursement, stating the union is “holding those disbursements” by insisting the entire first tranche of needs-assessment money be paid only to them, excluding polytechnics and colleges of education.
He reiterated the government’s refusal to fully pay the three and a half months’ salary withheld during the previous prolonged strike, noting that other issues like promotion arrears are being addressed or fall under the purview of individual universities.
Alausa concluded with an appeal to the union and an assurance to parents: “We need to keep our children in school… I am pleading with ASUU again to shelve this strike.”
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