The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) strike has long been a recurring challenge in Nigeria’s tertiary education system. As 2025 unfolds, many students, parents, and lecturers are once again concerned about the status of academic activities across federal and state universities.
This article provides the latest updates on the ASUU strike 2025, key issues in the dispute, the likely resumption date, and what the federal government is doing to resolve the situation.
What Is ASUU and Why Does It Go On Strike?
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) is a union of university academic staff in Nigeria, formed to promote the welfare and interests of lecturers and the quality of tertiary education.
ASUU strikes are typically declared when:
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Salaries and allowances are delayed or unpaid
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Agreements with the Federal Government are unfulfilled
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Infrastructure funding is inadequate
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Autonomy of universities is undermined
ASUU’s last major nationwide strike lasted from February to October 2022, affecting millions of students. In 2025, a similar threat looms.
ASUU Strike 2025: What’s Happening?
As of July 2025, ASUU has issued a warning strike across several federal universities including:
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University of Abuja
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University of Lagos (UNILAG)
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Ahmadu Bello University (ABU)
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Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU)
According to the ASUU President, Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke, the union is protesting:
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Non-payment of Earned Academic Allowances (EAA)
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Delay in signing the renegotiated 2009 FG-ASUU Agreement
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Continued use of the IPPIS platform, which ASUU opposes
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Underfunding of universities and poor working conditions
“We have exhausted all dialogue options with the government. If nothing changes, we’ll proceed to indefinite action,” said ASUU in a July 2025 press briefing.
Current Status & Resumption Date
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ASUU recently directed a nationwide strike starting July 7–8, 2025, due to delayed June salaries. The union invoked its “No Pay, No Work” policy, leading to branch-level work stoppages in institutions like University of Abuja and University of Jos.
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Within hours, the government began releasing single-month June payments. ASUU promptly called off the strike after payment confirmations began reflecting in accounts. Lectures resumed in affected branches shortly thereafter.
Latest Federal Government Response
The Federal Ministry of Education and the Minister of Labour have responded to the union’s ultimatum by initiating fresh negotiations.
Key updates:
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The Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, has scheduled a high-level meeting with ASUU leadership.
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The Presidency has directed the Budget Office to release withheld allowances.
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Talks are ongoing to introduce a modified payment platform that addresses ASUU’s autonomy concerns.
The FG has pleaded for more time, citing current economic pressures but promising a phased response.
Resumption Date: When Will ASUU Strike End?
As of the last update (27 July 2025), ASUU has not declared a full-scale strike, but many schools are already affected by the warning strike.
If negotiations succeed before mid-August:
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Full academic activities may resume by first or second week of August 2025.
If talks fail and ASUU declares a total strike:
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The resumption date will be indefinite, affecting over 60 universities.
Students are advised to:
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Stay engaged with university departments
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Follow official ASUU and NUC social handles
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Use the break to take online courses or skills training
How ASUU Strike Affects Nigerian Students
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Delayed graduation: 4-year courses often stretch into 6+ years
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Increased cost: Rent, feeding, and transport expenses rise
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Academic burnout: Repeated disruption weakens learning momentum
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Loss of motivation: Many students consider dropping out or relocating abroad
These are not just student issues — they also affect Nigeria’s economic productivity and global academic competitiveness.
Previous ASUU Strikes Timeline
| Year | Duration | Major Cause |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 5 months | Funding shortfall |
| 2017 | 1 month | IPPIS concerns |
| 2020 | 9 months | COVID-19 & FG-ASUU agreement |
| 2022 | 8 months | Unfulfilled agreement, IPPIS issues |
2025 may follow a similar pattern unless urgent action is taken.
What Should Students Do During ASUU Strike?
Here are smart things students can do while waiting for resumption:
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Take online courses (e.g., Coursera, ALX, Udemy)
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Start learning digital or tech skills (design, programming, data analysis)
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Apply for internships or part-time jobs
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Volunteer in community services or NGOs
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Prepare for scholarship exams like Chevening, DAAD, or PTDF
Read also: Chevening Scholarships 2025 for Nigerians
What Can Be Done to End ASUU Strikes Permanently?
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FG-ASUU Trust-Based Agreement: Implement MoUs with clear timelines
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University Autonomy: Stop forcing one-size-fits-all salary platforms
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Transparent Budgeting: Track disbursement and project execution
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Revive TETFund Interventions: Channel more funds into teaching and research
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Public Accountability: Universities must publish spending reports
ASUU, students, and civil society must keep advocating for consistent policy action.
Outlook: What to Expect Next
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Short term: Lectures continue in universities with paid June salaries. Branches still unpaid may start delayed strike actions if payments stall.
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July-end deadline: If July salaries aren’t paid by the end of the month, ASUU has warned of renewed strike actions under its “No Pay, No Work” policy.
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Broader concerns: Major unresolved issues remain, including revisiting the 2009 agreement, implementing UTAS, improving infrastructure, and ensuring value for university autonomy.
Internal Links to Related Content
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Has the ASUU strike ended completely?
A: The work stoppage was suspended after June salaries began clearing, but only in universities where payments were made. Branches still owed wages remain on strike.
Q: What triggers another ASUU action?
A: Unpaid salaries for July by end of month may trigger renewed strike actions under the union’s the “No Pay, No Work” policy.
Q: Why the delay in salary payments?
A: ASUU links delays to the payroll system transition from IPPIS to GIFMIS and criticizes delays by the Accountant-General’s office.
Q: What’s the status on 2009 agreement renegotiation and UTAS?
A: These remain outstanding issues. ASUU continues to demand full implementation of earlier agreements and salary arrears.
Q: Are state universities participating in the strike?
A: Participation varies. Branches across federal and state institutions act based on whether their lecturers were paid.
Q: What is the federal government’s next move?
A: Continued negotiations, salary disbursements, and subcommittee meetings to address systemic issues – with potential escalation if outstanding matters aren’t resolved swiftly.
Final Thoughts
The ASUU strike 2025 is yet another reminder of the challenges facing Nigeria’s education sector. While both ASUU and the Federal Government claim to prioritize students, repeated disruptions suggest otherwise.
For now, students must remain hopeful, informed, and productive — even in the face of uncertainty.
💬Have you been affected by the ASUU strike? Share your experience in the comments.
