The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has issued a fresh warning to the Federal Government of Nigeria, signaling possible industrial action if lecturers’ salaries and allowances are not fully implemented in line with the 2025 agreement before the end of March.

ASUU President, Christopher Piwuna, said the union expects complete compliance with all components of the agreement, stressing that partial implementation since January has failed to address key welfare concerns of university lecturers nationwide.

He dismissed reports of a formal ultimatum, clarifying that the union merely referenced the remaining days in March as a reasonable timeline for government action, while maintaining that ASUU would follow due process before embarking on any strike.

Despite some salary adjustments, Piwuna noted that significant gaps remain, particularly affecting lecturers on sabbatical and visiting appointments, many of whom are yet to receive full payments due to funding constraints in their host institutions.

He further highlighted that critical elements such as the Earned Academic Allowances (EAA) and other agreed benefits have not been fully implemented, with inconsistencies observed across federal universities.

The union is demanding full execution of the December 2025 agreement, which includes a 40 per cent increase in allowances, a revised salary structure, and improved welfare provisions. It also covers broader reforms such as the establishment of a national research council, a N30 billion stabilisation fund, and a gradual increase in education funding toward 25 per cent of the national budget.

Piwuna attributed the delays partly to setbacks in the national budget process, accusing the government of prioritising political considerations ahead of the 2027 elections over critical education sector needs.

With frustration mounting among lecturers, the union warned that failure to meet the deadline would trigger action in line with its established procedures—raising the prospect of renewed disruption in Nigeria’s university system if the impasse persists.