ASUU threatens indefinite strike over unpaid 2025 agreement at Plateau varsity

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has escalated tensions across multiple Nigerian states by threatening indefinite strikes at several universities due to the non-implementation of the 2025 Federal Government-ASUU Agreement. This dispute has sparked concerns about the stability of academic institutions and the well-being of faculty members, with each affected region reporting similar grievances. At the forefront of this crisis is Plateau State University (PLASU), where ASUU's local branch has issued a stark warning against the state government for its failure to fulfill the terms of the agreement. The union claims that the delayed payments and lack of infrastructure improvements have placed lecturers in dire economic straits, exacerbating the challenges posed by ongoing inflation.

The ASUU PLASU Branch convened a press conference in Jos, where Prof. Lawan Abubakar, representing the ASUU Bauchi Zone, outlined the specific areas of non-compliance. These include the Consolidated Academic and Research Allowance (CARA), Consolidated Academic Tools Allowance (CATA), Professorial Allowance, and Earned Academic Allowance (EAA). Despite submitting the necessary salary templates in February 2026, the union received a delayed response from the university management, which claimed the state government was still evaluating the financial and administrative implications of the agreement. This delay has left lecturers without the promised financial relief, leading to widespread frustration and calls for immediate action.

In addition to financial grievances, ASUU has highlighted the deteriorating working conditions faced by lecturers. With increased student enrollment and the creation of new academic departments, the workload on faculty has intensified without corresponding improvements in staffing or resources. Lecturers are now managing more courses, overseeing more students, and engaging in extensive research and community service—all under challenging circumstances. The union argues that these pressures are compounded by the lack of basic amenities such as adequate housing, secure campuses, and reliable electricity, which are essential for maintaining academic standards.

The issue extends beyond Plateau State, as other regions face similar challenges. In Kano, the ASUU Kano Zone has warned of potential industrial action if the state governments fail to implement the 2025 Agreement. This includes the Kano, Kaduna, and Jigawa states, whose universities remain behind in adopting the pact. While the federal government has made progress in settling arrears, the state governments have lagged, prompting the union to renew demands for the payment of withheld salaries and the resolution of pending issues. The Kano Zone has also raised concerns about the timely remittance of third-party deductions and pension contributions, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability.

Similarly, in Edo, Delta, and Ondo states, the Benin Zone of ASUU has announced plans for a prolonged strike unless the 2025 Agreement is fully implemented. The affected universities include Ambrose Alli University, Adekunle Ajasin University, and others, where the union asserts that the July salary payments must reflect the agreed-upon adjustments. Prof. Monday Igbafen, the Zonal Coordinator, stressed that the state governments' failure to provide financial support has left lecturers feeling undervalued and neglected. The union has warned that continued non-action would result in a complete shutdown of academic activities, highlighting the urgency of resolving the matter.

These developments underscore a broader pattern of discontent among academic staff nationwide. The 2025 Agreement, signed in December 2025, was intended to improve the living and working conditions of lecturers across public universities. However, the slow pace of implementation has led to growing unrest, with unions demanding immediate compliance. The situation reflects deeper systemic issues, including inadequate funding, bureaucratic inefficiencies, and a lack of political will to prioritize educational reforms. As the pressure mounts, the potential for widespread disruption looms large, with far-reaching consequences for both educators and students.