The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has issued a fresh warning to the Federal Government, signaling possible action if lecturers’ salaries are not fully implemented in line with the 2025 agreement before the end of March.

Speaking in a recent interview, ASUU President Christopher Piwuna clarified that contrary to widespread reports, the union did not issue a strict four-day ultimatum. Instead, he explained that the reference to the remaining days in March was meant as a reasonable timeline for the government to fulfill its commitments.

Piwuna emphasized that the union adheres to established procedures before embarking on any industrial action, noting that due process remains central to ASUU’s decision-making framework.

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Despite some salary adjustments recorded since January, ASUU insists that the full implementation of the agreement remains incomplete. According to the union, several key components have yet to be reflected in payments across federal universities.

The gaps, Piwuna noted, are particularly affecting lecturers on sabbatical and visiting appointments. Many in this category are reportedly not receiving full remuneration due to funding limitations within host institutions.

Additionally, the union raised concerns over the non-payment of Earned Academic Allowances, a crucial component expected to be integrated into the revised salary structure. These allowances form part of the broader agreement reached between ASUU and the Federal Government in December 2025.

The agreement includes a 40 percent increase in allowances, improvements to salary structures, and enhanced welfare provisions aimed at addressing long-standing concerns within Nigeria’s university system.

Piwuna attributed part of the delay to challenges surrounding the passage of the national budget, which has affected funding allocations to universities. However, he also criticized what he described as the government’s growing focus on political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections, suggesting that education issues are not receiving adequate attention.

“We are tired of waiting… our own interest is the full implementation of the 2025 agreement,” he stated, reflecting the growing frustration within the academic community.

Beyond salary concerns, the ASUU president highlighted additional commitments within the agreement, including the proposed establishment of a National Research Council and a ₦30 billion stabilization fund to be disbursed over three years. These measures are intended to address financial shortfalls and strengthen the higher education sector.

However, Piwuna lamented that progress on these broader reforms has been slow, with little evidence of decisive government action toward meeting agreed targets. He also pointed out that planned increases in education funding—aimed at reaching 25 percent of the national budget—remain far from realization.

ASUU has now made it clear that failure to meet these obligations could trigger a response from the union. While no immediate strike has been घोषित, the warning underscores rising tensions between lecturers and the government.

As the March deadline approaches, attention is focused on whether the government will act swiftly to meet ASUU’s demands or risk another round of industrial unrest in Nigeria’s university system.