In January, the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) signed a renegotiated agreement with the federal government to address the incessant strikes in public tertiary institutions. This agreement aimed to resolve long-standing issues and end repeated strikes in Nigeria’s university system.
As part of these efforts, ASUU has now issued a four-day ultimatum to the federal government to implement a new salary structure for university lecturers. This ultimatum takes effect from Thursday, March 27, 2026, and was delivered by ASUU president Christopher Piwuna during a public lecture.
Piwuna stated, “We have issued a four-day ultimatum from today to the federal government to commence payment of the newly approved salary structure. Failure to comply will attract a strong response from the union.” This statement underscores the urgency and seriousness of the situation.
The new salary structure was approved following prolonged negotiations between ASUU and the federal government, and it is intended to address problems linked to the 2009 agreement between ASUU and the government. Piwuna emphasized that the ultimatum is part of efforts to improve the welfare of university lecturers.
Furthermore, he added, “The union is giving the government four days to commence payment under the new salary arrangement, which was previously approved following prolonged negotiations between both parties.” This indicates that the union is not only seeking compliance but is also prepared to take action if their demands are not met.
If the federal government fails to take action within the specified period, Piwuna warned that ASUU would take serious measures that could shut down public universities across the country. He remarked, “If no action is taken within that period, the union will take serious measures that could shut down public universities across the country.”
Observers are closely watching the situation, as the outcome of this ultimatum could significantly impact the academic calendar and the overall educational landscape in Nigeria. The federal government has yet to respond to the ultimatum, and details remain unconfirmed.