The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has embarked on a two-week warning strike, effective midnight, in a bid to prompt the government to conclude ongoing negotiations. ASUU President, Chris Piwuna, made this announcement during a press conference held at the union’s headquarters at the University of Abuja.

According to Piwuna, the warning strike serves as a window of opportunity for the government to fulfill the union’s demands, which have been the subject of negotiations. He directed all members of the body across Nigeria to withdraw their services, citing the government’s alleged insincerity in the negotiations as the reason for the strike.

The union’s decision comes after prolonged discussions with the government, which have yet to yield the desired results. ASUU has been seeking improved working conditions, increased funding for universities, and the implementation of previously agreed-upon agreements. The strike is expected to affect academic activities in public universities across the country, potentially impacting students and the academic calendar.

The government’s response to the strike is still awaited, and it remains to be seen whether the two-week warning period will be sufficient to resolve the outstanding issues. The union has emphasized its commitment to finding a resolution through dialogue, but its patience appears to be wearing thin.

In recent years, ASUU has engaged in several strikes to press for better funding and working conditions in Nigeria’s public universities. The ongoing dispute with the government stems from a 2009 agreement that has not been fully implemented. The strike highlights the longstanding challenges facing Nigeria’s education sector, including inadequate funding, poor infrastructure, and brain drain.

As the strike commences, students, parents, and other stakeholders are anxiously awaiting the outcome of the negotiations. The union’s actions are seen as a last resort to draw attention to the plight of public universities and to push for meaningful reforms. With the warning strike underway, all eyes are on the government to respond and find a solution to the impasse, which has significant implications for the country’s education system and its future generations.