Socialist Labour calls for active solidarity with all the education strikes. ASUU has backed strike action in up to 20 state universities over the non-implementation of national agreements. There were also strikes in Unity Schools across the country over the threat of privatisation, including the proposed concession of King’s College, Lagos.
Trade union members should visit picket lines, send messages of solidarity, and demand action from their national unions. These strikes are not only about education. They are part of the wider struggle for decent wages, public services, and improved living standards for all workers.
ASUU agreed to support strike action in 20 state universities. The disputes centre on the failure of governments to implement agreements, especially the national agreement reached in December 2025. Lecturers are also owed three and a half months’ salaries from their 2022 strike.
Industrial action has already begun at institutions including Nasarawa State University, Keffi; Kaduna State University; and universities in Bayelsa and Plateau States. ASUU has also announced indefinite strikes at Lagos State University, Lagos State University of Education, and Lagos State University of Science and Technology.
The Unity Schools strike was being led by the Joint Congress of Unions in the Federal Ministry of Education, bringing together ASCSN, NCSU, and AUPCTRE. The strike has been put on hold until the report of the investigation committee is issued. The trade unions involved will have to be ready to act quickly in response to this report. Other trade unionists should be ready to provide their active solidarity. The Unity Schools’ strikers have made the Ministry of Education re-consider its plans – we all have to ensure that they are scrapped!
The education strikes come at a time when governments have more money than they know what to do with. FAAC allocations during the first months of this year were almost 20 percent higher than last year and continue to rise. At the August meeting, allocations exceeded ₦3 trillion for the first time. With oil prices above $100 per barrel and production rising, government revenues are expected to increase even further.
Workers are repeatedly told there is no money for salaries, education, or public services. Yet the money is clearly available. Many states have still failed to fully implement the ₦70,000 minimum wage, while inflation has destroyed much of its value. Education workers fighting for the implementation of agreements are also fighting for the principle that workers should receive what they are owed.
The coming months provide an important opportunity. With elections approaching and government revenues rising, trade unions should demand not only victory for the education strikes but also a new minimum wage, a Cost of Living Allowance, and the payment of all outstanding arrears and agreements.
Solidarity is needed to ensure these strikes are victorious. A victory in education can strengthen the wider labour movement and give confidence to workers everywhere to fight for better wages, better services, and a better future.
Victory to the education strikes!
No to privatisation!
A new minimum wage now!
Quality public education for all!
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