The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has issued a four-day ultimatum to the Federal Government, demanding the immediate implementation of the newly approved salary structure for university lecturers.
ASUU President, Christopher Piwuna, announced the directive on Thursday during a public lecture at Sa’adu Zungur University in Bauchi State.
He disclosed that the agreement on the revised salary package was reached in December 2025, with implementation expected to commence in January 2026. However, the delay in execution has prompted the union to issue the ultimatum.
“We have given the Federal Government four days from today to begin payment under the new salary structure. Failure to comply will attract a strong response from the union,” Piwuna warned.
He criticised the government for what he described as a pattern of failing to honour agreements with the union, noting that such delays have historically triggered disputes and industrial actions within the university system.
The ASUU president also opposed plans to establish a branch of Coventry University in Nigeria following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent visit to London. He argued that the move could undermine the growth and relevance of local universities.
Piwuna described the proposal as detrimental to Nigeria’s education system and urged the Federal Government to instead prioritise strengthening domestic institutions through collaboration with ASUU.
The latest development comes amid ongoing tensions in the education sector. Earlier in March, the union directed some branches to withdraw services over delays in the payment of June 2025 salary arrears and challenges linked to the Government Integrated Financial Management Information System (GIFMIS).
In recent months, ASUU has issued multiple ultimatums, including 14-day and one-month notices, pressing for the full implementation of the 2009 agreement with the Federal Government.
Meanwhile, the situation reflects broader labour unrest in the public sector, with other federal workers also threatening industrial action over unresolved wage-related issues.
