The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has issued a four-day ultimatum to the Federal Government to implement the newly approved salary structure for lecturers nationwide.
ASUU President, Christopher Piwuna, made this known on Thursday during a public lecture at Sa’adu Zungur University, Yuli Campus, in Bauchi State.
He explained that the new salary agreement was reached in December 2025 and was scheduled to take effect from January 2026.
Piwuna said the ultimatum begins immediately, urging the government to commence payment without further delay after months of negotiations.
“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 expressed concern over the Federal Government’s repeated failure to honour past agreements, which has led to frequent disputes and industrial actions.
Reacting to plans to establish a branch of Coventry University in Nigeria, following a visit by Bola Ahmed Tinubu to London, Piwuna said ASUU would strongly oppose the move.
He described the proposal as a form of colonialism that could weaken the value and relevance of Nigerian universities.
Piwuna further argued that the foreign institution is facing declining global admissions and advised the government to partner with ASUU to improve local universities instead.
Earlier in March 2026, ASUU had directed some members to withdraw their services over delays in salary payments and issues linked to the Government Integrated Financial Management Information System.
The union had also issued multiple ultimatums in 2025, including 14-day and one-month notices, demanding the renegotiation and implementation of the 2009 agreement.
Meanwhile, on March 25, 2026, federal civil servants also threatened a nationwide strike over unpaid wage awards, highlighting growing labour tensions across the public sector.
