The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) at Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology (OAUSTECH), Okitipupa, Ondo State, has officially joined the two-week warning strike mandated by the national leadership of the union. This action aligns with the directive issued by ASUU’s national body, signaling a unified stance among academic staff in public universities across Nigeria to press for the resolution of longstanding issues with the federal government.
Dr. Oluwatoyin Ogunbamike, the Chairman of the OAUSTECH ASUU branch, confirmed the branch’s compliance with the strike directive during a press briefing in Okitipupa on Monday, October 13, 2025. Speaking to journalists, Ogunbamike emphasized the necessity of adhering to the national body’s instructions, stating, “Yes, we have joined the two-week nationwide strike declared by the national body of ASUU. We have to comply with the directives of the national ASUU, for the betterment of all members across the country.” His remarks underscored the collective resolve of the union to advocate for improved welfare and working conditions for its members, as well as the overall enhancement of the public university system in Nigeria.
The decision to embark on the strike follows a resolution reached at the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of ASUU, where the union deliberated on its unresolved demands with the federal government. On Sunday, October 12, 2025, the National President of ASUU, Prof. Chris Piwuna, announced the commencement of the warning strike during a press conference at the University of Abuja. Prof. Piwuna directed all ASUU branches in public universities to withdraw their services starting from midnight on Monday, October 13, 2025. He described the strike as “total and comprehensive,” signaling a complete halt to academic activities in affected institutions for the duration of the action.
The warning strike is a response to the federal government’s alleged failure to address critical issues raised by ASUU, including the revitalization of public universities, payment of outstanding salaries, earned academic allowances, and the implementation of the 2009 ASUU-FGN agreement, among others. These demands have been at the forefront of the union’s advocacy for years, with ASUU repeatedly accusing the government of neglecting the education sector and failing to honor agreements reached during previous negotiations.
At OAUSTECH, the impact of the strike on students is expected to be minimal, as the university is currently on vacation, and the 2025/2026 academic session has yet to commence. This fortunate timing means that academic activities, such as lectures and examinations, will not be immediately disrupted for students at the institution. However, the broader implications of the strike for the academic calendar and the university system nationwide remain a concern, particularly if the government fails to engage in meaningful dialogue with ASUU to resolve the issues prompting the strike.
The ASUU strike is part of a long history of industrial actions by the union to draw attention to the deteriorating state of Nigeria’s public universities. Over the years, ASUU has consistently highlighted challenges such as inadequate funding, poor infrastructure, and unfavorable working conditions for academic staff. These issues, the union argues, have contributed to the declining quality of education and the inability of Nigerian universities to compete globally. The current warning strike is seen as a strategic move to compel the government to act swiftly before the situation escalates into a full-blown indefinite strike, which could have more severe consequences for students and the education sector.
ASUU’s decision to embark on a warning strike reflects the union’s frustration with what it perceives as the government’s lack of commitment to addressing the systemic challenges facing public universities. The two-week duration of the strike is intended to serve as a wake-up call, giving the government an opportunity to negotiate and resolve the outstanding issues. However, ASUU has warned that failure to meet its demands could lead to further actions, which may include an indefinite strike, a scenario that could paralyze academic activities across the country.
For stakeholders in the education sector, including students, parents, and university administrators, the strike raises concerns about the potential disruption of academic calendars and the long-term impact on the quality of education. While OAUSTECH students are currently unaffected due to the ongoing vacation, students in other institutions where academic sessions are ongoing may face significant disruptions. The situation underscores the urgent need for constructive dialogue between ASUU and the federal government to find lasting solutions to the challenges plaguing Nigeria’s higher education system.
As the strike progresses, all eyes will be on the federal government’s response and whether it will take decisive steps to address ASUU’s demands. The outcome of this industrial action could have far-reaching implications for the future of public universities in Nigeria, as well as the relationship between the government and the academic community. For now, ASUU remains resolute in its pursuit of better funding, improved infrastructure, and enhanced welfare for its members, hoping that the warning strike will prompt the government to act in the interest of the nation’s education system.
