The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has raised fresh concerns over a potential strike, warning of industrial unrest due to unpaid salaries and unmet terms of the 2025 agreement with the federal government. The union accused the government of politicizing the agreement and delaying its implementation.
ASUU Accuses FG of Victimizing Members
Speaking at a press conference in Ibadan on May 21, 2026, the Ibadan Zonal leadership of ASUU, led by Prof. Biodun Olaniran, alleged that the government lacks sincerity in implementing the agreement. Olaniran stated that ASUU members have become victims of government negligence, warning that continued non-implementation could lead to unpredictable consequences.
Weaponizing Poverty Against Lecturers
Olaniran criticized the Tinubu administration for not honoring the agreement, saying, “It is becoming clear that the Tinubu-led administration is not showing enough sincerity in addressing the crisis in Nigeria’s tertiary education sector.” He added that withholding lecturers’ salaries amounts to weaponizing poverty and violates the Labour Act.
Incomplete Implementation of Agreement
ASUU noted that the government has only partially implemented financial components like Consolidated Academic Tool Allowance (CATA) and Professorial Allowance (PA), leaving out Earned Academic Allowances (EAA). Many institutions have not paid these allowances for up to four months. Some universities, such as Modibbo Adama University and Obafemi Awolowo University, have suspended CATA payments due to funding constraints.
Politicization of University Agreement
Prof. Olaniran accused the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, of using the agreement as a political campaign tool rather than addressing underlying issues. He also noted that the Federal Government has failed to inaugurate the Implementation Monitoring Committee (IMC), which would shield the agreement from bureaucratic bottlenecks.
Union Signals Possible Nationwide Action
ASUU Chairman at LAUTECH, Prof. Olujimi Dada, stated that the union cannot be blamed if industrial action occurs. “ASUU cannot predict the aftermath of this press conference. The onus is now on the Federal Government to do the needful,” he said. Former ASUU Chair at UI, Prof. Ademola Aremu, decried government interference in university employment processes.
Outstanding Issues
ASUU listed unresolved issues including unremitted third-party deductions, 25%/35% wage awards, promotion arrears, and withheld salaries from the 2022 strike. The union described the withholding of deductions as illegal and wicked. Members have sacrificed annual leave to ensure timely graduation of students.
When lecturers strike, only teaching is affected; research and community service continue. The union stressed that issues remain unresolved despite covering lost grounds.
ASUU Threatens Indefinite Strike in Four Universities
In a related development, ASUU in the Calabar zone has threatened an indefinite strike over welfare, salary, and funding issues in four state-owned universities: Abia State University, Akwa Ibom State University, Ebonyi State University, and the University of Cross River State.
