The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has warned of a fresh nationwide strike, accusing the Nigerian government of deliberately neglecting university lecturers who have remained on the same salary structure for over 15 years.

The warning was issued on Tuesday during a press briefing in Benin City, Edo State, where the ASUU Benin Zone highlighted the government’s alleged failure to address unresolved issues from the 2009 ASUU-Federal Government agreement.

Zonal Coordinator Prof. Monday Igbafen, speaking alongside union officials from universities within the zone, said the government had displayed “blatant unwillingness” to resolve the crisis affecting Nigeria’s public university system.

“It is not only regrettable but sad to inform you that the Federal Government has again demonstrated a blatant unwillingness to quickly and holistically resolve all outstanding issues to restore industrial harmony in our public universities,” Igbafen said.

While minor progress has reportedly been made on non-monetary aspects, the union stressed that remuneration and welfare components remain untouched, with lecturers still earning the same salaries as in 2009, when the naira traded at ₦120 to $1. According to Igbafen, a Nigerian professor currently earns less than $400 per month, describing the situation as “scandalous, wicked, and inhuman.”

“We have rejected the proposed salary increment by government because it is a mere drop in the ocean. Remaining on the same salary regime for more than 15 years without meaningful review is a catalyst for resistance, industrial disharmony, and brain drain,” he added.

The union also accused top government officials, including the Minister of Education, of making statements that undermine genuine negotiation efforts.

Citing rising national revenues, Igbafen argued that the government lacks political will, not resources. He referenced Federal Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC) figures, noting that states received ₦3.92 trillion in 2022 and ₦5.81 trillion in 2024, while federal revenue reportedly grew from ₦3.42 trillion to ₦4.65 trillion within the same period.

The Benin Zone declared its readiness to comply with any directive from ASUU’s national leadership to resume the suspended strike once the one-month ultimatum expires.

“We are ready for the directive of the NEC of our union to resume the suspended strike action,” the union warned.