ASUU threatens indefinite strike in seven state universities over unimplemented sgreement

The Benin Zone of the Academic Staff Union of Universities has warned that lecturers in seven state-owned universities across Edo, Delta and Ondo states may embark on an indefinite strike if the 2025 Federal Government/ASUU Agreement is not reflected in their July salaries.

The affected institutions are Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma; Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko; Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology, Okitipupa; Delta State University, Abraka; University of Delta, Agbor; Dennis Osadebay University, Asaba; and Southern Delta University, Ozoro.

Speaking at a press briefing held at the University of Benin on Monday, the Benin Zonal Coordinator of ASUU, Prof. Monday Igbafen, said the union had made several attempts to resolve the matter through dialogue with the governments of the three states but without success.

He noted that while all federal universities and 10 state-owned institutions had already implemented the provisions of the 2025 agreement, including the payment of outstanding arrears, the seven universities under the Benin Zone were yet to comply.

According to Igbafen, the union expects the Consequential Adjustment to Academic Allowances and all other components of the agreement to be included in members’ July salaries, while outstanding arrears dating back to January 2026 should also be settled.

He warned that failure by the affected state governments to meet these demands would leave the union with no option but to commence an indefinite industrial action.

Igbafen stressed that ASUU remained committed to maintaining industrial harmony in public universities but argued that lasting peace could only be achieved through the full implementation of agreements reached with the union.

He therefore urged the governors of Edo, Delta and Ondo states to take immediate steps to implement the agreement and avert a disruption of academic activities.

The union also accused the three state governments of denying lecturers their entitlements by failing to make the necessary financial provisions required to implement the agreement.

According to him, academic staff in the affected universities have been unfairly treated despite waiting for six months for the governments to fulfil their obligations.

Igbafen said members had exercised considerable patience but were disappointed that no concrete action had been taken despite repeated engagements.

He disclosed that ASUU congresses in the affected universities had begun mobilising members for a total and indefinite strike in response to what the union described as the persistent failure of the state governments to honour the agreement.