ASUU begins indefinite strike at Bayelsa varsities over CBA, 19-month arrears

Academic activities at Niger Delta University (NDU) and Bayelsa Medical University (BMU) have ground to a halt as the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) began an indefinite strike. The union cited the Bayelsa State Government's failure to implement agreements reached with its members as the reason for the industrial action.

“

The agreement had an implementation timeline of January 2026. We are now in August 2026, and nothing has been done.

The strike follows separate congresses at the Amassoma and Yenagoa campuses, where lecturers resolved to withdraw their services. ASUU-NDU Chairperson Comrade Oyinkepreye Lucky Bebeteidoh stated that the union is demanding the implementation of a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) signed in December 2025. This agreement, which was supposed to be implemented from January 2026, has reportedly seen no action.

Bebeteidoh also highlighted the union's demand for the computed figure of the Consolidated Academic Salary Structure (CATA) for academic staff in the three state-owned universities, amounting to N336,936,294.87. He contrasted Bayelsa's situation with over 10 other states that have implemented similar agreements despite receiving less federal funding.

“

More than 10 states who do not get half of what comes to Bayelsa State government from the Federation Account have implemented.

Furthermore, ASUU is concerned about 19 months of outstanding arrears for 25% and 35% wage awards. The union stated that while the government had paid six months of the initial 25 months of arrears, the remaining balance has not been settled. ASUU had previously suspended a strike in February 2025 after signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the state government, but claims no progress has been made on the outstanding arrears since then.

“

More than a year after the signing of the MoU, no action has been taken on the 19 months arrears.