“Rethinking ASUU’s Strategy: From Strikes to Statesmanship”

By Nigerian Intellectuals Forum (NIF) 
Presented by Prof. Mustapha Abubakar, Chairman

For decades, the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has stood as a formidable voice in Nigeria’s educational landscape, defending the rights of university lecturers, demanding improved funding, and resisting policies that threaten the integrity of public education. Its legacy is undeniable.

From securing better working conditions to challenging unjust government actions like the “No Work, No Pay” policy, ASUU has fought valiantly. But today, we must ask a difficult question: Has the strike strategy outlived its usefulness?
The Diminishing Returns of Strike Actions:

Strikes were once ASUU’s most potent weapon. They drew national attention, forced negotiations, and yielded tangible results. But in recent years, their impact has waned.

The government has grown desensitized, public sympathy has eroded, and students, our future, have become collateral damage. Academic calendars are disrupted, graduation timelines extended, and mental health challenges among students are rising. Families bear the financial burden, and the quality of education continues to decline.

Even within ASUU, dissent is growing. Younger academics question whether prolonged strikes truly serve their interests, especially when months of unpaid salaries push them into financial distress. Ironically, the very tool meant to protect public education now threatens its survival.

A Call for Political Engagement:
NIF believes it is time for ASUU to evolve. The 2027 general elections are no longer a distant prospect, they are a defining moment. Instead of preaching from the sidelines, let us participate actively in shaping the future. ASUU members are not just lecturers, they are citizens, intellectuals, and patriots.

The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria guarantees every citizen the right to associate freely, including forming or joining political parties. Section 40 is explicit:

“Every person shall be entitled to assemble freely and associate with other persons, and in particular he may form or belong to any political party, trade union or any other association for the protection of his interests…”

The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) has rightly argued that barring civil servants from partisan politics contradicts this constitutional provision. ASUU must embrace this truth. Democracy is not a spectator sport, it is a participatory system. If policies are failing, we must help formulate better ones. If governance is weak, we must help strengthen it.
From Protest to Policy: A New Path Forward:

ASUU’s goals remain valid. We still need better funding, improved infrastructure, and fair treatment for academic staff. But the method must change. Instead of strikes, let us engage in Policy Advocacy: Collaborate with government to design education policies that reflect the needs of students and staff.

Participate in Governance: Encourage ASUU members to run for office, join political parties, and influence decision-making from within.
Mobilize Public Support: Use intellectual platforms to educate the public and build consensus around progressive reforms.

Strengthen Internal Democracy: Ensure ASUU leadership reflects the diverse voices within the union, especially younger academics.
Salvaging Our Nation Through Intellectual Patriotism:

Nigeria stands at a crossroads. The challenges are immense, but so is our capacity to overcome them. ASUU members possess the knowledge, the experience, and the patriotism to steer this country toward progress. It is time to stop taking the back row. Let us work the talk. Let us move from resistance to responsibility, from protest to progress.

The Nigerian Intellectuals Forum calls on ASUU to rise to this moment. The future of our universities—and our nation—depends on it.