ASUU begins indefinite strike at Bayelsa varsities over CBA, 19-month arrears

Academic activities at Niger Delta University (NDU) and Bayelsa Medical University (BMU) have come to a standstill as the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) declared an indefinite strike over unresolved salary disputes and delayed implementation of a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). The strike began in response to the Bayelsa State Government's failure to meet the terms of the agreement signed in December 2025, according to reports from local media. The decision to go on strike came after enlarged congresses were held at both the Amassoma and Yenagoa campuses of the two universities. Lecturers resolved to suspend their duties until their demands are met. At the Amassoma campus, ASUU-NDU chairperson, Comrade Oyinkepreye Lucky Bebeteidoh, stated that the union was seeking the implementation of the CBA, which was signed with the state government on December 23, 2025. The agreement was meant to take effect from January 2026, but as of August 2026, no action had been taken. Bebeteidoh highlighted the financial shortfall, noting that the union is demanding the implementation of the Consolidated Academic Salary Structure (CATA) for academic staff in the three state-owned universities, valued at approximately N336,936,294.87. He emphasized that while the agreement was signed, the state government had not fulfilled its obligations. He pointed out that more than 10 other states, even those receiving less funding from the Federation Account, had already implemented similar agreements. The union also raised concerns regarding unpaid wages, specifically the 19-month arrears on the 25 per cent and 35 per cent wage awards. According to ASUU, the initial delay led to 25 months of unpaid salaries, with the government paying six months, leaving a remaining balance of 19 months. The union claims the government had promised to settle this amount once the state’s finances improved. Bebeteidoh noted that the union had previously suspended a strike after signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the state government in February 2025. However, the MoU failed to resolve the outstanding issues, and no payments were made on the 19-month arrears. More than a year after the MoU was signed, the union alleges no progress has been made. In February 2026, the union wrote to the state government reminding it of the agreement and requesting the initiation of payments. The strike continues as the union awaits a resolution to these grievances. Lecturers at both universities have halted all academic activities, affecting students and disrupting the educational process. The situation underscores the ongoing challenges faced by public sector workers in Nigeria, particularly in the education sector, where delays in salary payments and unimplemented agreements have become common occurrences. As the strike persists, the pressure on the Bayelsa State Government to respond to the union’s demands grows stronger.