The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has warned that there will be no reversal on the planned two-week nationwide warning strike if the Federal Government fails to meet their demands by October 13.  

This strike follows a two-week ultimatum issued by the union last week, demanding that the Federal Government address unresolved issues — notably the signing and implementation of the renegotiated 2009 ASUU-FGN Agreement.  

ASUU President, Chris Piwuna, made this declaration during an orientation / leadership training event titled “Understanding the Principles of the Union” held at the Niger Delta University Branch in Amassoma, Bayelsa State.  

Piwuna emphasized that the union’s stance remains firm. He said:

“The warning strike has been issued and we are not meeting to discuss that again … by midnight of Monday, we will embark on a two-week warning strike … after which we will meet after the expiration to decide when to begin an indefinite and comprehensive strike action.”  

He also criticized the NELFUND scheme, stating that in a struggling economy where unemployment is high, it is impossible for beneficiaries to repay such loans. He argued the funds should be given as grants, not loans.  

He raised concerns about NELFUND’s expenditure, pointing out that an organisation with less than a hundred staff is spending huge sums on personnel, while many universities can’t even spend that in a year.