The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has confirmed it will meet with the Federal Government as the one-month ultimatum it issued to the authorities expires on Friday, November 21, 2025.

In what appears to be a last-minute effort to avert a nationwide strike, the Federal Government has extended an olive branch to the union, inviting its top negotiators to a meeting aimed at concluding the long-standing renegotiation process.

According to a communiqué exclusively obtained by our correspondent on Thursday, ASUU’s leadership said it would honour the invitation “as a responsible union,” despite describing the government’s timing as “late but noted.”

The union indicated that it would await the outcome of the meeting before taking further steps.

ASUU also disclosed that its National Executive Council (NEC) will convene immediately after the talks to assess any offer presented by the government and determine the union’s “next line of action.”

Members were urged to remain “calm, motivated, and fully prepared” ahead of the NEC meeting, with the union emphasising that solidarity remains its “greatest strength.” The communiqué further directed members to be ready to comply with any directives that may arise once the renegotiation outcome is reviewed.

Reiterating its long-standing position, ASUU ended the statement with the familiar rallying cry: “The struggle continues…”

This latest ultimatum follows earlier warnings by the union, which had given the Federal Government a one-month window to resume and conclude renegotiations.

The Federal Government, through the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, has repeatedly maintained that it has “literally met” many of ASUU’s demands — a claim the union disputes.

Key issues at the centre of the impasse include the renegotiation of the 2009 FGN–ASUU Agreement, payment of withheld salaries, and the establishment of a sustainable funding model for public universities.

A positive outcome from Friday’s meeting could stave off a potentially disruptive strike, as the NEC is expected to make an immediate decision based on the government’s proposal.

However, should the offer fall short of expectations, the union may consider renewed industrial action, a scenario that could have far-reaching consequences for students, parents, and university operations nationwide.