The Academic Staff Union of Universities has given the Federal Government of Nigeria a four-day ultimatum to implement the newly approved salary structure for university lecturers nationwide.
The union’s president, Christopher Piwuna, made this known on Thursday while speaking at a public lecture held at Sa’adu Zungur University, Yuli Campus, in Bauchi State.
Piwuna explained that an agreement on the revised salary structure was reached in December 2025, with implementation expected to begin in January 2026. However, the delay has prompted the union to issue the ultimatum, which takes immediate effect.
“We have issued a four-day ultimatum from today to the Federal Government to begin the payment of the newly approved salary structure. Failure to comply will attract a strong response from the union,” he said.
He criticised the government for repeatedly failing to honour agreements, noting that such lapses have historically led to disputes and industrial actions within the university system.
On another issue, Piwuna opposed the proposed establishment of a branch of Coventry University in Nigeria, following the visit of Bola Ahmed Tinubu to London.
He described the move as a form of colonial influence on Nigeria’s education system, arguing that it could undermine the growth and relevance of local universities.
According to him, the union would resist the initiative, stressing that the focus should instead be on strengthening domestic institutions to meet global standards.
Piwuna further claimed that the proposed expansion comes at a time when the foreign institution is experiencing a decline in admission applications globally.
He urged the Federal Government to collaborate with ASUU to improve Nigeria’s university system for the benefit of current and future generations.
The development comes amid ongoing tensions between ASUU and the government. On March 11, 2026, the union directed some of its branches to withdraw services over delays in the payment of June 2025 salary arrears and issues linked to the Government Integrated Financial Management Information System.
Throughout 2025, ASUU had issued multiple ultimatums, including 14-day and one-month notices, calling on the government to finalise the renegotiation and implementation of the 2009 agreement between both parties.
Separately, on March 25, 2026, federal civil servants outside ASUU also threatened a nationwide strike over unpaid wage awards, underscoring broader labour unrest across Nigeria’s public sector.
