The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has issued a shocking ultimatum, threatening to plunge Nigeria's higher education into chaos once more if the Federal Government drags its feet any longer. This dire warning signals a potential nationwide strike that could bring all universities to a standstill, sending shockwaves through the student body and the entire education sector.

At a dramatic press conference in Kano, Abdulkadir Muhammad, the Kano Zonal Coordinator of ASUU, laid bare the union's frustration after a recent meeting that included representatives from renowned institutions like Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Bayero University Kano (BUK), and Kaduna State University (KASU). The tension in the air was palpable as Muhammad voiced the union's discontent with the government's sluggish response to pressing demands that affect the welfare of lecturers and the quality of education.

After suspending a previous warning strike in October, ASUU granted the Federal Government a mere month-long ultimatum to mend its ways. However, Muhammad's scathing remarks reveal a growing impatience with what he perceives as the government's lackadaisical approach to negotiations, which has become a major impediment to revitalizing Nigeria’s public universities.

“The suspension of the strike was meant to foster goodwill towards Nigerians,” Muhammad lamented. “Yet, here we are, our hopes dashed and our patience worn thin!” He accused certain government officials of deliberately dragging their feet and misinforming the public about the status of discussions, leaving the future of academia hanging by a thread.

In an explosive critique, Muhammad slammed the government's failure to genuinely commit to improving lecturers' welfare, calling attention to the brain drain that continues to plague the educational landscape. “What the government offers is nothing but empty promises,it will neither enhance working conditions nor attract international scholars to our shores!” he declared with unmistakable indignation.

Additionally, he called for a moratorium on new state universities, criticizing governors for establishing institutions without a serious commitment to funding. 

Meanwhile, the Benin Zone of ASUU is poised to join the strike if the National Executive Council gives the green light. Prof. Monday Lewis Igbafen did not mince words when he described the government's inaction as “wicked and inhumane,” highlighting the stagnation of lecturers' salaries over the past 15 years. How long can this injustice continue before the education system crumbles?

Ikechukwu Igwenyi, the Calabar Zonal Coordinator, echoed the urgent call for action, warning that failure to meet demands would trigger yet another round of industrial action. His list of essential demands,including fair remuneration and improved working conditions,underscores the critical nature of the situation.

ASUU's demands are nothing short of a blueprint for educational reform: immediate payment of outstanding salaries, the refund of third-party deductions, a 25-35 percent wage award, and adequate funding for universities. They are also calling for the government to respect university autonomy and halt policies that threaten academic freedom.

During a recent media briefing in Calabar, Igwenyi and nine other officials reiterated the stakes involved. “We have given the government a four-week ultimatum,” ASUU declared fiercely. “We will not be deterred; our struggle is just, and victory is within our grasp!”