The honeymoon between the Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) appears over, as the union has threatened a showdown over what it described as the flawed and partial implementation of the December 2025 agreement reached between ASUU and the Federal Government by both federal and state authorities.

This was the outcome of the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the Union held at the Modibbo Adama University, Yola.

In a statement signed by ASUU President, Prof. Christopher Piwuna, he said members equally noted with concern governments reluctance to amicably resolve the lingering issues of the withheld three-and-half months salaries, promotion arrears, shortfalls in salaries arising from the use of the IPPIS platform, unremitted third-party deductions, and arrears of 25-35 per cent wage award.

Prof. Piwuna said the increasing frustration occasioned by the seeming government’s disinterestedness in the welfare of Nigerian academics is brewing a pent-up anger which could erupt into a new wave of industrial unrest if not addressed

“The union appeals to all genuine patriots, well-meaning Nigerians and lovers of Nigeria to prevail on State and Federal governments to fully implement the new Agreement and resolve other outstanding issues in the interest of parents, students and the nation at large.

“Our union’s doors remain open for working with government to realise all our demands. At the same time, NEC directs an emergency meeting of NEC to be called in the next few weeks to review the situation and take appropriate action as may be necessary,” he said.

In March this year, The Guardian had reporters that the relative peace being enjoyed in public universities across the country may soon be over if the renegotiated agreement between the Federal Government and Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) was not fully implemented.

The landmark accord, which stakeholders say would end the 16-year impasse over the 2009 pact, was set for implementation on January 1, 2026. The deal featured a 40 per cent salary increase for lecturers, improved pension benefits, and revamped duty-based Earned Academic Allowances to foster university stability and reduce strikes.

But five months down the line, full implementation has remained a mirage as some universities have implemented their components of the agreement, while the Federal Government has yet to do so.