The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has issued a firm four-day ultimatum to the Federal Government of Nigeria, demanding the immediate commencement of payments under the newly approved salary structure for university lecturers nationwide.
The announcement was made by ASUU President, Christopher Piwuna, on Thursday during a public lecture held at Sa’adu Zungur University, Yuli Campus, in Bauchi State.
According to him, the countdown will take effect immediately, with the union expecting swift compliance from the government.
Piwuna stressed that failure to act within the stipulated timeframe would trigger a “strong response” from the union, a statement widely interpreted as a possible prelude to industrial action.
He emphasized that the demand is part of ASUU’s broader push to improve lecturers’ welfare and address the long-standing issue of poor remuneration in Nigeria’s public universities.
The ASUU president noted that inadequate pay has significantly contributed to the persistent brain drain in the education sector, with many experienced academics seeking better opportunities abroad.
This trend, he warned, continues to weaken the quality of higher education in the country.
He further lamented the government’s history of entering agreements with the union without fully implementing them, a pattern that has repeatedly led to disputes, strikes, and disruptions in academic calendars.
According to him, consistent failure to honor such agreements undermines trust and stability in the education system.
Education stakeholders and observers have expressed concern that the ultimatum could heighten tensions between ASUU and the Federal Government.
If unresolved, the situation may culminate in another nationwide strike, potentially affecting millions of students across public universities.
ASUU has, over the years, embarked on several prolonged strikes to press home its demands, actions that have often resulted in significant academic setbacks.
The latest development raises fresh fears of yet another interruption in Nigeria’s already fragile university system.
