ASUU Issues Strike Ultimatum, Threatens Nationwide Shutdown in 11 State Universities Over Unpaid Allowances
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has threatened an indefinite strike in 11 state-owned universities if state governments fail to implement the 2025 Federal Government/ASUU agreement.
The warning affects universities in Edo, Delta, Ondo, Adamawa, Borno, Taraba and Yobe states. The union said the deadline for compliance is the end of July 2026.
ASUU leaders in the Benin and Yola zones issued the threat during separate press conferences on Monday. They accused the state governments of delaying implementation six months after the agreement was signed.
The Benin Zonal Coordinator, Prof. Monday Igbafen, said affected branches have already begun mobilising members for a possible shutdown of academic activities.
The universities include Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma; Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko; Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology, Okitipupa; Delta State University, Abraka; University of Delta, Agbor; Dennis Osadebay University, Asaba; Southern Delta University, Ozoro; Adamawa State University, Mubi; Borno State University, Maiduguri; Taraba State University, Jalingo; and Yobe State University, Damaturu.
Igbafen said federal universities and some state institutions had already implemented the agreement. However, the affected states are yet to pay the Consolidated Academic and Technologists Allowance and other approved arrears.
According to him, the outstanding payments cover allowances and arrears dating back to January 2026.
In Yola, Zonal Coordinator Comrade Dani Mamman also confirmed growing tension in the affected universities. He said the situation reflects a breach of collective bargaining agreements.
He stressed that lecturers are only demanding payment of their legitimate entitlements.
ASUU urged the affected governors to act quickly and settle all outstanding obligations. The union warned that failure to do so could lead to a full suspension of academic activities across the institutions.
