The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Benin Zone, has issued a formal threat to commence an indefinite strike across seven state-owned universities in Edo, Delta, and Ondo states.
This industrial action is contingent upon the failure of the respective state governments to implement the 2025 Federal Government/ASUU Agreement in the upcoming July salary cycle.
The institutions affected by this directive include:
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Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma
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Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko
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Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology, Okitipupa
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Delta State University, Abraka
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University of Delta, Agbor
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Dennis Osadebay University, Asaba
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Southern Delta University, Ozoro
During a press conference at the University of Benin on Monday, ASUU Benin Zonal Coordinator, Prof. Monday Igbafen, explained that the union has exhausted all avenues of dialogue with the state governors.
He highlighted that while federal universities and ten other state universities have successfully implemented the 2025 FGN/ASUU Agreement, these seven institutions remain in non-compliance.
Prof. Igbafen stated that the union demands the inclusion of the Consequential Adjustment to Academic Allowances and all other components of the agreement in July salaries, alongside the full payment of arrears dating back to January 2026.
He warned, “We state, with all sense of responsibility, that any failure or further prevarication by the three state governments will inevitably provoke a total, comprehensive and indefinite industrial action.”
The coordinator criticized the state governments for their perceived disregard for the welfare of academic staff, noting that members have waited six months for progress.
“The patience of our congresses in these universities has been exhausted. For six months, our members have awaited concrete steps toward the implementation of the agreement. In return, they have been met only with trivialisation and disregard,” he added.
Prof. Igbafen concluded by urging the governors of Edo, Ondo, and Delta states to prioritize the implementation of the agreement to avoid a total shutdown of the academic calendar.
He affirmed, “We therefore inform you that our congresses in the affected state universities have commenced full mobilisation for a total, comprehensive and indefinite strike in response to the persistent failure of the governments of Edo, Ondo and Delta states to honour the agreement.”
