By Peter Omopo
The University of Jos branch of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has warned the Federal Government to fulfil all outstanding agreements with the union or risk another round of industrial action before the end of November.
In a statement issued on Wednesday and signed by its branch chairman, Prof. Jurbe Molwus, the union expressed disappointment over what it described as the government’s failure to act on the commitments made after the suspension of its recent two-week warning strike.
ASUU had in October declared a total and comprehensive warning strike that commenced on Monday, October 13, 2025, to press home demands including the conclusion of the renegotiated 2009 FGN-ASUU agreement, payment of three and a half months of withheld salaries, settlement of 25/35% wage award arrears, and sustainable funding for public universities.
The strike was suspended midway following an emergency meeting between government officials and ASUU leaders, during which assurances were reportedly given by the Federal Government to address the issues raised.
However, Molwus said that since the suspension, there has been no visible progress.
“We expect that some of the outstanding entitlements, such as 3.5 months of withheld salaries, 25/35% wage award arrears, promotion arrears, and unpaid salaries of some members, would have been paid by now,” Molwus stated. “But all we get are press releases by the Honourable Minister of Education. What we need are credit alerts, not media statements.”
The union also expressed concern over the delay in the disbursement of the ₦50 billion revitalisation fund reportedly released by the Federal Government, saying no university had received the funds.
“Again, the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, claimed that ₦2.3 billion had been released to clear salary and promotion arrears in all federal universities. But as we speak, university workers have yet to receive such payments,” the statement read.
Molwus urged the Ministry of Education to clarify how the funds are to be allocated and to work more closely with the Ministry of State for Education to fast-track the implementation of agreements.
He also appealed to President Bola Tinubu to prioritise the education sector, stressing that resolving the lingering issues would demonstrate the government’s commitment to revitalising public universities.
The union disclosed that the Federal Government had until November 21, 2025, to meet its demands or face the possibility of a strike resumption.
“We hereby call on the press, students, parents, and other stakeholders to urge the Federal Government to do the needful so that ASUU is not blamed if and when it resumes its suspended strike,” Molwus said.
He added that ASUU’s National Executive Council meeting scheduled for November 8 and 9 would review the situation and decide on the next line of action.
“For clarity, the strike was only suspended as a mark of respect and demonstration of goodwill in collective bargaining. We expect the Federal Government to reciprocate by addressing our demands without further delays,” the statement concluded.
