The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has declared a nationwide strike, citing persistent delays in salary payments and outstanding allowances.
The union’s directive comes as frustration grows among lecturers nationwide over continued neglect from government authorities.
ASUU’s National President, Prof. Chris Piwuna, confirmed the decision in Abuja, noting that the latest move follows months of hardship endured by members.
The strike is also seen as a response to what the union describes as deliberate negligence by the Office of the Accountant General.
“Our members are experiencing hardship. Salaries are often delayed by a week or more,” Prof. Piwuna said.
The salary crisis reportedly worsened following the federal government’s decision to migrate university payrolls from the Integrated Personnel Payroll and Information System (IPPIS) to the Government Integrated Financial Management Information System (GIFMIS).
ASUU argues that the delay is not a technical flaw, but a result of human actions.
“When funds are eventually released, there are no complaints of underpayment or technical failure. The system works; it’s the handlers who are stalling,” the ASUU president emphasized.
Prof. Piwuna also accused government officials of showing little concern for the academic community.
Despite reaching out to the Minister of Education and the Office of the Accountant General, he said no real progress has been made.
According to the union, the failure to pay June 2025 salaries triggered the decision.
The ASUU leadership had earlier agreed at its National Executive Council (NEC)meeting that members would withdraw their services if salaries were not paid within the first three days of a new month.
In addition to the salary delay, ASUU raised concerns about the lingering issue of unpaid Earned Academic Allowances (EAA).
“We expect the remaining N10 billion to be paid without further delay to prevent another round of agitation,” Prof. Piwuna warned.
Although the government had earlier committed N50 billion to settle the allowances, only N40 billion has so far been disbursed.
ASUU branches at the University of Jos and University of Abuja have already commenced strike action, with others expected to join soon.
Meanwhile, the federal government has yet to issue an official response to ASUU’s demands.
