The Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, has given the federal government a four-day deadline to commence the implementation of a newly approved salary structure for lecturers in Nigerian universities.
ASUU President, Professor Christopher Piwuna, announced the ultimatum on Thursday during a public lecture at Sa’adu Zungur University, Yuli Campus, in Bauchi state.
He noted that although both parties agreed on the new salary framework in December 2025, with implementation slated for January 2026, payments have yet to begin.
Piwuna stressed that the countdown begins immediately, warning that failure to act within the stipulated period would trigger a strong response from the union.
“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 criticised the government for repeatedly failing to honour agreements, a trend that has contributed to recurring disputes and industrial unrest in the university system.
The ASUU president also addressed plans to establish a branch of Coventry University in Nigeria following President Bola Tinubu’s recent trip to London.
He said the union would oppose the move, describing it as detrimental to the growth and relevance of local universities.
Piwuna argued that such a development reflects a form of external dominance in the education sector and urged the government to prioritise strengthening existing institutions instead.
He further noted that the proposal comes at a time when the foreign institution is facing declining admission interest globally, adding that collaboration with ASUU would be more beneficial in improving Nigeria’s higher education system.
Earlier in March, ASUU had directed some branches to embark on industrial action over delays in salary arrears and complications arising from the transition to the Government Integrated Financial Management Information System, GIFMIS.
The union had also issued multiple ultimatums in 2025, including 14-day and one-month notices, calling for the full implementation of the 2009 agreement with the federal government.
Meanwhile, tensions across the public sector persist, as federal civil servants outside ASUU have also threatened a nationwide strike over unresolved wage issues.
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