The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Kano Zone, has warned of a potential new strike, accusing the Federal Government of insincerity and deliberate sabotage in ongoing renegotiations.

The warning came from the union’s Zonal Coordinator, Abdulkadir Muhammad, following a Zonal meeting in Kano. He expressed growing concern that confidence in the government’s commitment to addressing long-standing challenges in the university system is rapidly eroding.

Muhammad highlighted that despite suspending a two-week warning strike in October to allow for “meaningful and fruitful engagement,” government negotiators have allegedly employed delay tactics and spread misinformation.

He stated:

“The National Executive Council meeting of ASUU, held on November 8 and 9 at Taraba State University, revealed that the renegotiation process is moving at a snail’s pace. Some government functionaries are undermining the talks and misinforming the public on the state of our engagement.”

The union accused the government of failing to demonstrate genuine commitment to improving working conditions for Nigerian academics. Muhammad warned that current proposals are insufficient to reverse the ongoing brain drain in public universities or attract scholars from abroad.

He added:

“The one-month ultimatum given to the government to respond to our demands will soon lapse. We appeal to traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society organizations, students, parents, and other stakeholders to press the government to resolve all outstanding issues and avert another total shutdown of the nation’s universities.”

ASUU Kano Zone’s warning highlights escalating tensions between university lecturers and the Federal Government, with millions of students at risk of disruptions to their academic calendars if negotiations fail.