ASUU Issues 4-Day Ultimatum to FG Over New Salary Structure

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has issued a four-day ultimatum to the Federal Government, demanding the immediate implementation of a newly approved salary structure for lecturers in public universities nationwide.

ASUU President, Christopher Piwuna, made this known on Thursday while speaking at a public lecture held at Sa’adu Zungur University, Yuli Campus, in Bauchi State. He explained that although an agreement on the revised salary package was reached in December 2025, its implementation—scheduled to begin in January 2026—has yet to commence.

Piwuna stressed that the ultimatum takes effect immediately, urging the government to act without delay and begin payments under the agreed structure. “We have issued a four-day ultimatum from today to the Federal Government to begin the payment of the newly approved salary structure. Failure to comply will attract a strong response from the union,” he said.

He further expressed concern over what he described as a pattern of unfulfilled agreements by the Federal Government, noting that such actions have historically triggered disputes and industrial actions within the university system.

ASUU Opposes Coventry University Plan, Raises Fresh Concerns

Addressing broader developments in the education sector, Piwuna also reacted to plans for the establishment of a Nigerian branch of Coventry University, following Bola Tinubu’s recent visit to London. He stated that ASUU would oppose the move, arguing that it could undermine the integrity and value of Nigeria’s university system.

He described the proposal as a form of colonial influence within the country’s education space and reiterated ASUU’s longstanding commitment to strengthening local universities. Piwuna added that the development comes at a time when the foreign institution is reportedly experiencing declining admission applications globally.

Rather than establishing foreign campuses, he advised the Federal Government to work more closely with ASUU to improve the quality and competitiveness of Nigerian universities, ensuring they meet the needs of both current and future generations.

The latest ultimatum follows earlier actions by the union. On March 11, 2026, ASUU directed members in certain branches to withdraw their services over delays in the payment of June 2025 salary arrears, as well as complications arising from the transition to the Government Integrated Financial Management Information System (GIFMIS).

Throughout late 2025, the union had also issued multiple warnings, including 14-day and one-month ultimatums, pressing the government to conclude the renegotiation and full implementation of the 2009 ASUU-Federal Government agreement.

Meanwhile, labour tensions continue to rise across the public sector. On March 25, 2026, federal civil servants outside ASUU signaled plans for a nationwide industrial action over unpaid wage awards, further intensifying concerns about potential disruptions in government services.