The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has warned that it could resume its suspended nationwide strike if the Federal Government and state governments fail to resolve outstanding issues affecting university lecturers.
The union said several commitments contained in the agreement reached with government in December 2025 had yet to be fully implemented.
Among the issues raised by ASUU are outstanding salaries, deductions from lecturers’ earnings and other conditions contained in the agreement.
ASUU President, Professor Christopher Piwuna, reportedly issued the warning after an emergency meeting of the union’s National Executive Council at the University of Abuja.
Salary Arrears at the Centre of Dispute
The union is demanding payment of about 3.5 months of withheld salaries owed to affected lecturers.
It is also seeking the remittance of deductions made from workers’ salaries for pensions, cooperative contributions and union dues.
ASUU has repeatedly argued that the continued withholding or delayed payment of lecturers’ entitlements has created additional pressure on university workers.
The latest warning comes after the union suspended its previous industrial action following negotiations with the government.
2025 Agreement Under Pressure
A major point of contention is the implementation of the agreement reached in December 2025.
ASUU says the government has not fully delivered on commitments contained in the agreement and has warned that continued delays could force its members back onto the streets.
The union has threatened to activate its suspended strike without further notice if the outstanding issues are not addressed.
Recent reports have also highlighted salary-payment disputes affecting lecturers at some universities, underscoring the broader tension surrounding the implementation of government commitments.
Possible Impact on Students
A fresh nationwide strike would have serious implications for millions of Nigerian university students, many of whom have already experienced repeated disruptions to their academic calendars.
Universities and students have long called for a more sustainable solution to the cycle of negotiations, agreements and industrial action.
The latest development therefore puts pressure on the Federal Government and state authorities to engage the union before the dispute escalates.
For students and parents, the immediate concern is whether the government and ASUU can reach an agreement that prevents another nationwide shutdown of public universities.