The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has issued a four-day ultimatum to the Federal Government to immediately implement the newly approved salary structure for university lecturers, while also rejecting plans to establish a United Kingdom-based university in Nigeria.
The President of ASUU, Prof. Christopher Piwuna, announced the ultimatum on Thursday during a public lecture at Sa’adu Zungur University, Yuli Campus, Bauchi State. The directive takes effect from Thursday, March 26, 2026.
Piwuna stressed that the Federal Government must commence payment to lecturers under the new salary structure, which was approved after prolonged negotiations between the union and authorities. “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 warned.
The ASUU president also rejected proposals to establish a UK-affiliated university in the country, reiterating the union’s position on protecting Nigeria’s higher education system and promoting local institutions. According to him, foreign-based models may not align with the national educational priorities or address the systemic challenges facing Nigerian universities.
Speaking further, Piwuna highlighted that the ultimatum reflects ASUU’s commitment to ensuring fair remuneration for lecturers and sustaining the integrity of the nation’s academic standards. He underscored that the union would continue to engage the government constructively but would not hesitate to take decisive action if demands are ignored.
The union’s announcement comes amid ongoing discussions about academic reforms and the welfare of university staff in Nigeria. By setting the deadline, ASUU aims to pressure the government to adhere to previously negotiated agreements on salaries while asserting its stance on the country’s higher education policy.
The four-day ultimatum marks a critical moment in the ongoing dialogue between ASUU and the Federal Government, emphasizing the importance of timely implementation of salary reforms and the protection of local academic institutions.
