‘Time lost, we just want to learn’: Students count cost as ASUU prepares for strike

Anxiety is spreading across universities as members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) prepare to embark on a 14-day warning strike starting Monday, following the expiration of their two-week ultimatum to the federal government.

The looming strike, which comes amid ongoing negotiations between ASUU and the government, has sparked outrage and frustration among students who fear yet another disruption to their academic calendar.

Many say they are the ones bearing the brunt of the recurring disputes between university lecturers and the government.

Adesuwa Aibangbee, a 200-level student of Biological Sciences at the University of Abuja, described the planned strike as “unwarranted,” lamenting the financial and academic toll on students.

“I understand that the government hasn’t been doing their part in paying salaries and all, but the strike also affects us greatly.

“If we are not in school, we are not getting the knowledge we are paying for. My rent is running even though I’m not in school, and by the time I renew it, I’ll still spend the same amount. It just adds unnecessary years to our studies,” she said.

At the Federal University of Lafia, William Ufuma-Precious, a Microbiology student, echoed similar concerns, warning that the industrial action could derail students’ academic timelines.

“This strike will waste our time. Students that have courses of seven years might end up spending nine years in school when their mates have already graduated,” she said

For Aldrich Akpomon, another student of the University of Abuja, the uncertainty is emotionally draining.

“I just want to graduate. I can’t stay at home doing nothing again. We’ve had enough delays,” he stated.

The strike threat follows the expiration of a two-week ultimatum given to the federal government to meet ASUU’s lingering demands, including full implementation of the 2009 ASUU-FGN Agreement, improved welfare, and better funding for universities.

Despite assurances from the government, the union insists that progress has been slow. Tunji Alausa, Minister of Education, stated last week in Abuja that the administration was in the “final phase” of negotiations with ASUU and other university unions.

He revealed that the Federal Government had released ₦50 billion for the payment of Earned Academic Allowances and included another ₦150 billion in the 2025 budget for needs assessment, to be disbursed in tranches.

“They deserve to be paid well. But we can’t give everything at once. What matters is our sincerity and commitment. We’ve addressed promotion arrears and wage awards, and the remaining obligations will be cleared by 2026.”

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Reiterating the government’s commitment to sustainable peace in the education sector, Alausa appealed to the unions to exercise patience and embrace dialogue instead of resorting to strikes.

“We have resolved many of these issues, and we are at the final stage, the condition of service.

“This government is sincere and has demonstrated that over the last two years. Please bear with us,” the minister said.

However, Chris Piwuna, ASUU President, faulted the government’s approach, accusing it of habitual delay in addressing key issues.

“Their ultimatum expires on Sunday, and after that, there will be a warning strike unless something substantial comes from the government. We are waiting to see what happens in the next 48 hours,” he said.

Across several federal universities, mobilisation for the strike has already begun, with students and lecturers bracing for yet another disruption in Nigeria’s troubled higher education system.

If the strike proceeds, it will mark another setback for students already battling extended academic calendars, rising costs, and uncertainty over graduation timelines, a situation many say they can no longer afford.