The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has announced plans to embark on nationwide protests across Nigeria, raising concerns about the future of public universities and the welfare of lecturers. This move comes after ongoing tensions between the union and the federal government over unresolved issues affecting the academic community.
Why ASUU is Protesting
According to ASUU, the federal government has failed to address long-standing demands, leaving lecturers frustrated and students uncertain about their academic schedules. A major point of contention is the recent inclusion of ASUU as a ‘guarantor’ for loans under the Tertiary Institutional Staff Support Fund (TISSF) scheme.
The union has rejected this inclusion, describing it as an imposition rather than a collaborative solution. ASUU maintains that it should not bear financial responsibilities that compromise its independence and advocacy for educational quality.
In addition to this, ASUU has expressed dissatisfaction with the federal government’s delays in:
Paying June salaries to members
Releasing outstanding Earned Academic Allowances (EAA)
These ongoing issues have further strained relations and reignited tensions that have previously led to strikes.
ASUU’s Commitment to Education
Despite the challenges, ASUU continues to emphasize its commitment to advocating for the welfare of lecturers and improving the quality of education in Nigerian public universities. The upcoming protests are a continuation of the union’s efforts to press the government to fulfill agreements and address the sector’s pressing needs.
While the exact dates for the protests are yet to be announced, ASUU has promised to provide further details soon. Stakeholders, including students, parents, and other unions, are closely monitoring the situation, as the outcome of these protests could have significant implications for the higher education system in Nigeria.
Previous Strikes and Impacts
This latest development follows a series of actions by ASUU, including an indefinite strike that began on July 8, 2025. The strike was part of ASUU’s “No Pay, No Work” policy, initiated in response to the federal government’s delay in paying salaries and allowances.
Over the years, ASUU strikes have had major effects on students, universities, and the broader educational landscape. While controversial, the union asserts that such actions are necessary to ensure that lecturers are treated fairly and that Nigerian universities maintain high academic standards.
With the announcement of nationwide protests, attention is now on how the government will respond and whether negotiations can resume. Many hope for a swift resolution to prevent prolonged disruptions in the academic calendar.
Students and stakeholders are advised to stay updated on developments, as the coming weeks could see significant demonstrations across various states in Nigeria.
