ASUU Nsukka Zone Threatens Fresh Strike Over Government Inaction

By: Aremu Toyeebaht

The Nsukka Zone of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), speaking through its Coordinator, Dr. Christian Chukwuma Opata, on Wednesday at Benue State University, Makurdi, said the government has continued to neglect the welfare of lecturers and the future of public universities despite repeated appeals.

Opata criticised the administration for ignoring the report of the Yayale Ahmed-led committee, which concluded its work in February 2025. “After some preliminary challenges, largely occasioned by the government and its agents, unfortunately, nothing meaningful has been done on the report since then. If the government is deliberately testing our resolve, it is time for us to respond,” he said.

He added that contrary to public perception, ASUU’s decision not to strike in the last two years was not due to progress in negotiations but rather a deliberate sacrifice to demonstrate patience. “This was not because our agitations were being addressed, but simply our way of showing the public and the global community that we are not strike mongers,” Opata stressed.

The union, however, said it has reached the limit of its tolerance. “Having given the government ample time to demonstrate sincerity and seriousness, we have no option but to put them and the public on notice that we may return to the trenches,” he warned.

The development raises fresh fears of academic disruption across Nigerian universities, with students and parents already on edge over the possibility of another prolonged shutdown of academic activities.