Students Rally in Support of ASUU Amid Nationwide Strike

Nigerian university students have staged peaceful protests nationwide in support of ASUU’s two-week warning strike, demanding the Federal Government fulfill long-standing agreements to improve funding, welfare, and academic conditions.

A wave of student-led protests has emerged across Nigeria as university students show solidarity with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), currently on a two-week warning strike.

Background of the Strike

On Monday, October 13, 2025, ASUU embarked on a two-week warning strike following the Federal Government’s failure to address long-standing issues. These include:

• Non-payment of Earned Academic Allowances (EAA)
• Unfulfilled elements of the 2009 ASUU-FGN Agreement
• Poor funding and welfare conditions in public universities

In response, the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, reiterated the Federal Government’s stance, invoking the “No Work, No Pay” policy and instructing all Vice Chancellors to withhold salaries of lecturers involved in the strike. ASUU has rejected the move, labeling it an attempt to intimidate its members.

Student Protests Gain Momentum

Amid the standoff, students have taken to the streets to voice their support for ASUU. At the University of Jos, the Students’ Union Government (SUG) President, Kangyang Pwajok, condemned the Federal Government’s neglect of the education sector. Speaking to Trust TV News, she highlighted how persistent underfunding continues to derail students’ academic progress.

She emphasized that strike actions remain ASUU’s last resort in advocating for better conditions and described the current movement as a necessary step forward.

Federal University Gashua Joins the Movement

In Yobe State, students from Federal University Gashua held a peaceful demonstration, demanding that the Federal Government uphold its agreements with ASUU. The protest was carefully monitored by university authorities and security operatives to maintain order.

Impact on Nigerian Universities

The strike has already disrupted academic activities in several major institutions, including:

• University of Ibadan
• University of Abuja
• University of Jos

These disruptions continue to fuel frustration among students, who argue that they are the primary victims of repeated strikes and governmental inaction.

Tensions Escalate Between ASUU and FG

While ASUU remains firm in its demands, the Federal Government’s hardline approach has further deepened the crisis. The standoff threatens to extend beyond the initial two-week warning period unless urgent resolutions are reached.

READ ALSO: UNILAG assures students of security as body is found floating along waterfront

SOURCES: ALLSCHOOL, GISTREEL