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Academic operations have been plunged into paralysis across several state-owned tertiary institutions nationwide following the commencement of an industrial action by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) over the failure to implement terms of the 2009 Re-negotiated Agreement.
Observations on Wednesday revealed widespread compliance by academic staff across affected campuses following instructions from the union’s national executive body to down tools.
The affected institutions include Nasarawa State University; Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai; Gombe State University; Plateau State University; Kaduna State University; Kano State University of Science and Technology; Northwest University; and Taraba State University.
Also impacted are the University of Medical Sciences, Ondo; Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko; Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma; Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology; and Emmanuel Alayande University of Education.
The list further extends to Abia State University; University of Education and Entrepreneurship, Akamkpa; Enugu State University of Science and Technology; Imo State University; Niger Delta University; University of Africa, Toru-Orua; and Bayelsa Medical University.
Adekunle Ajasin University (AAUA)
The Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA) branch in Ondo State declared that it would maintain its industrial action until state authorities begin full execution of the accord and disburse all outstanding arrears dating back to January 2026.
Branch Chairman, Prof. Bolu Oshodi, highlighted that the union is insisting on the immediate adoption of the updated pay structure, which officially took effect in January 2026.
Oshodi observed that federal institutions alongside several state-owned universities—such as Ekiti State University (EKSU), Benue State University (BSU), Osun State University (UNIOSUN), Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), and Kwara State University (KWASU)—have already initiated the implementation of the new salary framework.
Although the state government signaled its intention to adopt the agreement, the union noted that the proposed payout scheme fails to cover the entire backlog of accumulated arrears.
Oshodi maintained that the branch will only call off its strike after members confirm receipt of the revised compensation and full backlogs in their respective bank accounts.
“We will call off the strike when we receive alert in our bank accounts. Alert of the implementation and the arrears starting from January, that is when we will suspend the strike,” he said.
He added that the chapter’s position aligns with directives from the national leadership mandating prompt compliance with the terms and immediate settlement of all back-wages owed to members since January.
According to him, the union interprets “immediate” execution to mean the complete settlement of all financial obligations accrued since the beginning of the year.
“The issue now is that the mandate from the national body is that the implementation should commence immediately and the arrears from January should be paid,” Oshodi said.
Plateau State University (PLASU)
At Plateau State University, Bokkos (PLASU), the union declared a total and indefinite strike, citing management’s failure to address a six-point charter of demands.
In an official release made available on Wednesday, signed by branch Chairperson Vincent D. Choji and Secretary Lomka Iliya Kopdiya, the chapter explained that its grievances remained unaddressed despite the expiration of an earlier notice served to campus administrators.
The union’s demands encompass the activation of the Contributory Pension Scheme, complete enforcement of the 2025 Federal Government-ASUU agreement, and payment of salary arrears accumulated from January 1, 2026.
Other points raised include the provision of safe staff residential quarters, construction of security trenches along the university perimeter fence, an immediate halt to the alleged harassment of union executives, and the payment of 22 months’ worth of arrears linked to the 25/35 percent wage award adjustment.
Ambrose Alli University (AAU)
Lectures and administrative-backed academic schedules were similarly ground to a halt at Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, Edo State, as academics initiated an indefinite strike following unresolved national agreement items.
Students reported that only staff members holding administrative assignments were present on campus, while most lecture rooms and departmental offices remained shut.
The university’s Public Relations Officer, Otunba Mike Aladenika, confirmed that the school’s leadership team attended a consultation meeting at the Edo State Government House with Governor Monday Okpebholo.
The AAU chapter had earlier announced its decision to strike following a congress meeting held two days prior.
In a joint press statement issued by the branch Chairman, Dr. Cyril Onogbosele, and Secretary, Dr. William Odion, the union cited the non-implementation of the 2025 Federal Government-ASUU agreement and the non-payment of allowance backlogs accrued since January 2026.
The leadership noted that the industrial action followed the lapse of a 14-day notice served on state authorities and campus management.
“Having failed to implement the Agreement within the 14-day ultimatum in addition to unsuccessful efforts by the Branch to make the University authorities and Edo State Government to implement the Agreement, Congress resolved and directed members to embark on a total, comprehensive and indefinite strike with effect from Tuesday, 25th August, 2026 at 12.01am,” the statement said.
The chapter stated that the strike involves the withdrawal of all statutory academic duties, including lecturing, examination supervision, committee meetings, research project evaluations, Industrial Training oversight, and Teaching Practice monitoring.
The congress also mandated its executive leadership to activate monitoring committees to enforce full compliance across campus.
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