ASUU Puts 20 Universities on Strike Watch as Two Week Deadline Begins

ASUU puts 20 Universities on Strike Watch as Two Week Deadline Begins

Another potential disruption is looming over Nigeria's university system after the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) gave branches in 20 universities a 14 day ultimatum to resolve outstanding issues or prepare for possible industrial action.

The decision followed ASUU's National Executive Council meeting held at the University of Abuja on August 8 and 9, 2026. The union's latest move is linked mainly to what it described as the poor and selective implementation of the 2025 agreement between the Federal Government and ASUU, alongside outstanding salary, allowance, funding and welfare concerns.

The universities currently on the strike watch include Nasarawa State University, Keffi; Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai; University of Medical Sciences, Ondo; Gombe State University; Plateau State University, Bokkos; Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko; University of Education and Entrepreneurship, Akamkpa; Abia State University, Uturu; Imo State University, Owerri; Niger Delta University, Amassoma; Taraba State University, Jalingo; Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma; Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology, Okitipupa; Enugu State University of Science and Technology; Kaduna State University; Kano State University of Science and Technology, Wudil; Northwest University, Kano; University of Africa, Toru-Orua; Bayelsa Medical University; and Emmanuel Alayande University of Education, Oyo.

However, being on the list does not mean that all 20 universities are currently on strike.

The affected ASUU branches have been authorised to issue the 14 day ultimatums. If the issues are not resolved within that period, the branches could proceed with industrial action. ASUU has not declared a nationwide strike at this stage.

There are, however, institutions on the list where the situation has already moved beyond a warning.

Imo State University (IMSU), which we reported on yesterday, has already commenced an indefinite strike following its local dispute with the Imo State Government. Nasarawa State University, Keffi, has also now declared an indefinite strike over unresolved issues surrounding the 2025 agreement and outstanding entitlements.

For the remaining universities, the 14 day window provides an opportunity for negotiations before the situation escalates.

The latest development has again placed Nigeria's university system under pressure, particularly for students who could face interruptions to lectures, examinations and academic calendars if the disputes spread.

ASUU's latest position also comes just months after the Education Minister, Tunji Alausa, said in April that the era of strikes in Nigeria's tertiary institutions was over. Subsequent ASUU statements, however, indicated that the union still had unresolved concerns over implementation of the agreement.

For now, the clock is ticking.

The coming two weeks will determine whether the outstanding issues are resolved through negotiations or whether more universities join IMSU and Nasarawa State University in industrial action.

If you are a student in any of the 20 affected universities, keep an eye on official announcements from your school rather than relying on social media rumours.