On August 7, 1988, the Ibrahim Babangida-led military government formally proscribed the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, declaring it “an unlawful association.” In a nationwide broadcast on the Nigerian Television Authority at 7pm, General Babangida ordered the immediate seizure of all ASUU assets, bank accounts, and property across the country. “The union has consistently engaged in activities prejudicial to national security and the smooth running of our universities,” the statement said. A senior member of ASUU’s National Executive Council also condemned the move, calling it “a declaration of war on intellectuals.” ASUU was formed in 1978 to protect the interests of university teachers.