The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has issued a stern warning to the federal government, declaring that it will escalate industrial action if lecturers’ July salaries are not paid by the end of the month.
ASUU President, Dr. Chris Piwuna, in an exclusive interview with PREMIUM TIMES on Tuesday, clarified that the union has not yet declared an indefinite strike, as speculated in some quarters. However, he stressed that a nationwide shutdown of academic activities looms if the government continues to delay wage payments.
“This is not an indefinite strike,” Piwuna explained. “We have told our members to observe a ‘no pay, no work’ policy. If salaries are not paid by the end of July, we will stop work again. It’s that simple.”
Currently, the directive affects only university branches where salaries for June have not been paid. In those institutions, lecturers have withdrawn from all academic duties in protest.
Dr. Piwuna confirmed that some universities, such as the University of Abuja and the University of Jos, have resumed normal academic activities following the clearance of their June salaries.
“Those whose salaries have been paid are back at work. UniJos has resumed, and UniAbuja received their pay just yesterday,” he stated. “But branches still being owed are not working — and cannot function effectively without being paid.”
The ASUU president highlighted the impact of the salary delays, noting that members have been unable to fulfill their professional responsibilities due to financial hardship. The situation, he said, is not just about unpaid wages but about the systemic disrespect shown to the academic community.
“This is not just a union matter. It is about the dignity of our profession and the rights of workers,” he said. “We cannot keep educating the nation while our own basic needs go unmet.”
The latest development adds to the long-standing tensions between ASUU and the federal government over funding, working conditions, and unpaid entitlements. With public universities already grappling with infrastructure deficits and brain drain, the risk of another full-blown strike could deal a devastating blow to Nigeria’s higher education system.
Students and parents are once again caught in limbo, as uncertainty looms over academic calendars and examination schedules. As the end of July draws near, ASUU is demanding immediate and full payment of salaries to prevent further disruption. The union has reiterated its openness to dialogue but insists it will not compromise on the welfare of its members.
With the academic future of millions of students at stake, all eyes are now on the federal government’s response in the days ahead.