The Federal Government has appealed to the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to suspend its planned strike, assuring that it is committed to addressing all outstanding demands.

Speaking at a news conference in Abuja on Wednesday, the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, said the government was already engaging with the union and had made progress in ongoing negotiations.

He disclosed that the Mahmud Yayale Ahmed Federal Government Tertiary Institutions Expanded Negotiation Committee had been reconstituted and inaugurated to expedite talks with both academic and non-academic unions across universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education.

According to Alausa, President Bola Tinubu had given clear instructions to prevent another disruption in the tertiary education sector.

ASUU has commenced full mobilisation of its members ahead of a possible nationwide warning strike, as its 14-day ultimatum to the government expires on Sunday.

In a statement signed by its National President, Chris Piwuna, ASUU lamented government neglect of the university system and consistent disregard for its demands.

The union noted that despite organising rallies and awareness campaigns in August 2025 to draw attention to the issues, the government had remained indifferent.

“If, at the end of the 14-day ultimatum, the Federal Government fails to act, the union will have no option but to embark on a two-week warning strike, which may be followed by a total and indefinite action,” ASUU warned.