The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has once again warned of a nationwide strike, this time describing it as the “mother of all strikes,” if the Federal Government fails to implement the 2009 FG–ASUU agreement.
Speaking at a press briefing in Calabar on Tuesday, August 26, the University of Calabar branch of the union, led by Dr. Peter Ubi, said members are fully prepared to shut down academic activities if the national body gives the directive after its meeting on August 28.
ASUU’s grievances remain tied to long-standing issues that date back more than a decade. These include:
Full renegotiation of the 2009 agreement.
Proper funding and revitalisation of universities.
Payment of wage award arrears and withheld salaries.
Settlement of outstanding promotion arrears.
Remittance of third-party deductions.
National President of ASUU, Dr. Chris Piwuna, had earlier raised similar concerns, noting that nine major demands of the union remain unresolved. He emphasised that government’s reluctance to honour past commitments has left the union with no option but to consider another round of industrial action.
The threat comes amid growing frustration among lecturers and students, who have endured repeated disruptions to the academic calendar over the years due to failed negotiations. If the strike goes ahead, Nigerian universities could face yet another indefinite closure, deepening the crisis in the education sector.
