ASUU threatens indefinite strike in seven state universities

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has issued a stern warning of an indefinite strike targeting seven state-owned universities in Edo, Delta, and Ondo states. The union's Benin Zone coordinator, Prof. Monday Igbafen, announced the threat, stating that the strike would commence if the 2025 Federal Government/ASUU Agreement is not implemented in the July salaries of its members.

The affected institutions include 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. ASUU highlighted that while federal universities and ten other state universities have fully complied with the agreement, including paying arrears, these seven institutions remain non-compliant.

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We state, with all sense of responsibility, that any failure or further prevarication by the three state governments will inevitably provoke a total, comprehensive and indefinite industrial action.

Prof. Igbafen explained that the July salaries must reflect the Consequential Adjustment to Academic Allowances and all other components of the agreement, with arrears from January 2026 to be paid in full. "We state, with all sense of responsibility, that any failure or further prevarication by the three state governments will inevitably provoke a total, comprehensive and indefinite industrial action," he declared.

ASUU accuses the state governments of failing to provide the necessary financial backing for the agreement's implementation, calling their continued refusal unjust and provocative. "Our members in these institutions are being shortchanged by the governors and visitors of Edo, Ondo and Delta states, who have failed to provide the financial backing required for implementation," Igbafen said. He added that after six months of waiting for concrete steps, members' patience has been exhausted, and they are now mobilizing for a full-scale strike.

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Our members in these institutions are being shortchanged by the governors and visitors of Edo, Ondo and Delta states, who have failed to provide the financial backing required for implementation.