CROSS RIVER, CALABAR – The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Calabar Zone, has warned that it will commence a total, comprehensive and indefinite strike if the Federal Government fails to conclude the renegotiation of the 2009 Agreement by 21 November 2025.
Speaking at the press conference held at UNICROSS on 17 November 2025, the Zonal Coordinator, Comrade Ikechuku O. Igwenyi, said the government’s “inconsistency and dilatory approach” has deepened the crisis in Nigeria’s university system.
He stated in the release that ASUU’s patience has “stretched far beyond its elastic limits” due to broken promises, funding neglect, and worsening learning conditions across public universities.
ASUU argued in the document that the renegotiated 2009 FGN/ASUU Agreement “was not a gift” but an obligation the government owes to lecturers and the Nigerian public who depend on a functional education system.
Igwenyi said the union earlier issued a 14-day ultimatum, which progressed into a two-week warning strike suspended in October 2025 following interventions from parents and the Nigeria Labour Congress.
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He noted that government failed to use the grace period to address the core issues, adding that only “piecemeal payment of 2017 promotion arrears and delayed release of 3rd-party deductions” had been done.
The zonal leadership listed key demands in the statement, including full implementation of reviewed agreements, payment of withheld salaries, refund of all deductions, and adequate funding in line with UNESCO’s 15–26% benchmark.
ASUU also demanded revitalisation funds for public universities, respect for university autonomy, and an end to policies that “undermine academic freedom” in the system.
The union condemned brain drain and described the Japa syndrome as a direct result of underfunding, poor welfare, and hostile work conditions that push academics out of the country.
It further insisted that government has the financial capacity to meet its obligations, citing FAAC figures showing increased federal and state allocations between 2022 and 2024.
According to the statement, “there is no competition and therefore no winner or loser” in the ongoing struggle, as the union seeks to protect the future of Nigerian youths.
ASUU urged traditional rulers, parents, students, the NLC and well-meaning Nigerians to pressure the government to avert the looming nationwide shutdown of public universities.