Will There Be ASUU Strike in 2025? Here’s What Nigerian Students Should Know

Every academic year in Nigeria comes with an air of uncertainty, especially for students in public universities. One burning question echoing across campuses, social media platforms, and student union meetings is: will there be ASUU strike in 2025? After years of recurring strikes by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), it’s no surprise that students, parents, and even lecturers themselves are bracing for the possibility once again.

In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into ASUU’s history of industrial actions, current government relations, what stakeholders are saying, and the signs to watch out for in 2025.

Understanding ASUU and Its Role in Nigerian Tertiary Education

ASUU, short for the Academic Staff Union of Universities, was established in 1978 to represent the academic staff of Nigerian universities. Over the decades, ASUU has grown into a powerful body known for its relentless advocacy for improved funding of universities, better working conditions for lecturers, and a more functional educational system overall.

Despite their noble intentions, many Nigerians now associate ASUU with prolonged strikes, which often paralyze the entire university system and lead to serious disruptions in academic calendars.

A Look Back: How ASUU Strikes Have Shaped the Past

To understand if there might be another ASUU strike in 2025, it’s important to review the union’s history of industrial action.

From the early 1990s until 2023, ASUU has embarked on over 15 major strikes, many of which lasted for several months. The 2020 ASUU strike, for instance, lasted for nearly 10 months and was one of the longest in history. In 2022, Nigerian students lost eight months to another ASUU strike that stemmed from unpaid salaries and unresolved agreements with the federal government.

These strikes not only delay graduation but also create emotional and psychological stress for students, affect the quality of learning, and sometimes push students to seek alternatives outside the country.

Current Status of ASUU and Government Agreements

So far in 2024, ASUU has not gone on strike, but tensions have remained. The federal government had promised to fulfill certain financial obligations and to implement parts of the 2009 agreement, an agreement that has been a recurring source of dispute for over a decade.

At the heart of the conflict are issues like:

• Payment of Earned Academic Allowances (EAA)

• Revitalization funds for universities

• Replacement of IPPIS with UTAS (ASUU’s preferred payroll system)

• Autonomy of universities

• Arrears of salaries withheld during past strikes

As of the first quarter of 2025, many of these issues remain unresolved, leading to growing concerns among stakeholders that another strike could be imminent.

Early Signs That May Indicate a Possible ASUU Strike in 2025

Although no official declaration has been made, several red flags suggest that a strike in 2025 is not off the table:

1. Warnings from ASUU Branches: Local ASUU branches in various universities have started issuing warnings about the government’s failure to honor past agreements.

2. Lack of Budgetary Allocation: The 2025 federal budget reportedly allocates less than 5% to education, far below the UNESCO recommendation of 15–20%. This has raised eyebrows and stoked discontent within the academic community.

3. UTAS vs IPPIS Saga: The ongoing conflict over the appropriate payment platform is yet to be fully resolved. Many lecturers still complain about salary discrepancies and irregular payments under IPPIS.

These signs point toward a possibility, though not a certainty, that ASUU might resort to industrial action if the government fails to take proactive steps.

What ASUU Officials Are Saying About 2025

ASUU’s leadership has not officially announced a strike, but some comments from its executives suggest that they are losing patience. In a recent interview, a top ASUU executive stated:

“The government keeps making promises but fails to implement them. If nothing changes by the middle of the year, we will have no option but to act in the interest of our members.”

Statements like these, while not definitive, send a clear message that strike action is on the table if the government does not meet its obligations.

What the Government Is Doing to Prevent a Strike

The federal government claims to be working behind the scenes to avoid another ASUU strike in 2025. Some of the measures reportedly in progress include:

• Releasing partial funds for university revitalization

• Holding closed-door meetings with ASUU executives

• Considering a hybrid payroll system to bridge the gap between UTAS and IPPIS

• Planning phased payments of withheld salaries from the 2022 strike

However, ASUU members argue that “planning” is not enough, they want concrete action and timelines. Without that, they say, the cycle of mistrust and strike threats will continue.

How an ASUU Strike in 2025 Would Affect Students

If a strike occurs in 2025, the impact on students would be significant. Here’s what to expect:

• Academic calendar disruptions: Most universities will halt lectures, exams, and other academic activities.

• Extended graduation timelines: Students expecting to graduate in 2025 may be delayed, affecting their NYSC mobilization and job opportunities.

• Increased mental health challenges: Past strikes have been linked to stress, depression, and frustration among students.

• Economic impact on families: Parents and guardians may have to shoulder extra financial responsibilities due to delayed academic sessions.

Clearly, another strike would be a major setback, especially for final-year students and those planning for life after school.

What Can Students and Parents Do to Stay Prepared?

While students and parents may feel powerless, there are proactive steps they can take:

• Stay informed: Follow news from credible sources, including ASUU’s official channels, to track updates on potential strikes.

• Have a backup plan: Consider short-term vocational training, online courses, or internships during school closures.

• Engage student unions: Join forces with student bodies to advocate for peaceful resolution between ASUU and the government.

• Speak out: Use social media platforms to raise awareness and demand accountability from leaders.

Is There Hope for a Strike-Free Future?

Yes, but it requires commitment from both the government and ASUU. A lasting solution to the constant strike threats must include:

• Honest dialogue and regular meetings between both parties

• Fulfillment of past agreements with verifiable timelines

• Increased funding for tertiary education

• Legal frameworks that make strikes a last resort, not a regular weapon

Until these measures are in place, the question will there be ASUU strike in 2025 will keep resurfacing every year.

Conclusion: Will There Be ASUU Strike in 2025?

As it stands now, there is no confirmed ASUU strike in 2025, but the situation remains delicate. With unresolved grievances, poor funding, and unfulfilled promises, there’s a real possibility that ASUU might embark on another strike if the federal government does not act decisively.

For students, it’s a time to remain vigilant, hopeful, and prepared. For the government and ASUU, it’s a final call to avoid repeating history for the sake of the nation’s future.