The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Niger Delta University (NDU) Branch, has threatened to embark on an indefinite strike over what it describes as the Bayelsa State Government’s failure to implement key provisions of agreements reached following the suspension of its last industrial action.
The union warned that although lectures and academic activities are continuing for now, its members are prepared to withdraw their services once the national leadership of ASUU grants approval for a fresh strike.
Addressing journalists at the university campus in Amassoma, the Chairman of ASUU-NDU, Lucky Oyinkepreye, said the union had maintained consistent engagement with the state government since suspending its last strike in December 2024 after signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in February 2025.
According to him, while some non-financial aspects of the agreement are being addressed by the university management, the financial commitments remain outstanding despite repeated engagements with the state government.
Oyinkepreye listed the unresolved issues to include the implementation of the Consolidated Academic Salary Structure and related academic allowances, payment of salary arrears, the 25–35 per cent wage award arrears, professors’ allowances, and the provision of staff housing for lecturers.
He lamented that despite the university’s establishment several years ago, there is still no dedicated staff housing, forcing many lecturers to commute daily from Yenagoa to Amassoma.
The ASUU chairman argued that Bayelsa, as an oil-producing state, has the financial capacity to implement the agreed welfare packages, noting that several state-owned universities with fewer financial resources have already commenced payment of similar academic entitlements.
He added that the union had formally notified Governor Douye Diri and the university administration of the outstanding issues, while ASUU’s national leadership has already assessed the branch’s preparedness for industrial action.
According to him, lecturers will continue teaching, conducting research and carrying out their academic responsibilities pending the decision of the union’s national body.
Meanwhile, students of the institution have appealed to the Bayelsa State Government to urgently intervene to prevent another disruption of the university’s academic calendar.
A 400-level medical student, David Goodness, expressed concern that another strike would further prolong students’ stay in school, noting that previous industrial actions had already delayed graduation for many undergraduates.
Other students, including Esther Alaere and Kenegwa Ayibanua, said another shutdown would increase the financial burden on parents and negatively affect students’ academic progress and mental well-being.
They urged both the state government and ASUU to resolve the dispute through dialogue in the interest of students and the future of tertiary education in Bayelsa State.
The threat of industrial action comes amid ongoing concerns over funding and staff welfare in Nigerian public universities, with education stakeholders continuing to advocate sustained dialogue and faithful implementation of agreements as critical steps toward ensuring uninterrupted academic activities.
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