The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), University of Ibadan (UI) chapter, has vowed to continue its two-week nationwide warning strike, insisting that the action is justified by the Federal Government’s slow response to its demands.
Chairman of the UI chapter, Dr. Adefemi Afolabi, stated this while briefing journalists in Ibadan on Tuesday, noting that members of the union had fully complied with the industrial action.
“We have been constantly carried along in meetings at the national level, and members have expressed frustration over the slow pace at which the government is handling the matter,” Afolabi said.
According to him, the Federal Government had received the report of a committee set up to review an earlier 2016 report, but nothing had been implemented since.
“The current committee was established in September 2024 to review the 2016 report and submitted its findings in February 2025. Eight months later, nothing has happened,” he said.
Afolabi explained that after the last national meeting on Sept. 28, the union gave the government a two-week ultimatum to sign the draft agreement submitted by the committee.
“When nothing was done within the stipulated time, we had no choice but to embark on this warning strike,” he added.
The ASUU leader also dismissed the government’s “no work, no pay” threat, saying it was not new.
“The response we expected from the government was a resolution of the matter. They have the power to sign the agreement and the resources to pay university salaries, which is the core issue.
“Why wait until a strike begins before issuing a no work, no pay warning? It’s unfortunate that this is the kind of response we get,” Afolabi said.
He reiterated that ASUU’s goal was not to keep students out of school but to ensure better conditions for quality education.
“Our joy is to see students finish their studies on time and graduate. We urge the government to do the needful to end this cycle of strikes,” he said.
Meanwhile, some students have expressed concern over the impact of the strike on their education.
Ayobami Lawal, a 300-level student, blamed the government for neglecting the education sector, saying incessant strikes were unfair to both students and lecturers.
“When lecturers are well-paid and motivated, they perform better and produce quality graduates who will contribute positively to society,” he said.
Another student, Yetunde Adebayo, a 200-level undergraduate, lamented that repeated strikes disrupt academic progress and demotivate students.
“It already takes long for many of us to gain admission. Adding frequent strikes makes things worse. The government should prioritize our lecturers the same way they prioritize politicians,” she said.
It was reported that the Federal Government has directed vice-chancellors of federal universities to strictly enforce the “no work, no pay” policy against ASUU members participating in the strike.
The directive, contained in a circular dated Oct. 13, was signed by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, and copied to key government officials, including the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Pro-Chancellors, and the Accountant-General of the Federation.
According to the circular, the ministry expressed dissatisfaction over the continued strike despite repeated calls for dialogue, warning that the government would no longer tolerate violations of labour laws.
ASUU, in a statement issued after its National Executive Council meeting, accused the government of neglecting the university system and refusing to address its longstanding demands.
“In August 2025, ASUU members across federal and state universities held rallies to press for action, but nothing came out of it. Both federal and state governments continue to show little concern for the education sector and the welfare of university academics,” the union stated.
