ASUU threatens indefinite strike over unpaid 2025 agreement at Plateau varsity

Lecturers at Plateau State University (PLASU) are on the verge of an indefinite strike, with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) branch threatening industrial action over the Plateau State Government's failure to implement the 2025 Federal Government/ASUU Agreement. The union issued the warning in Jos, stating that the prolonged delay in fulfilling the agreement's terms, particularly regarding salary adjustments and academic staff allowances, has pushed members to their breaking point.

Prof. Lawan Abubakar, speaking for the ASUU Bauchi Zone, highlighted that Plateau State is among the few states yet to comply with the agreement, which has been reviewed and approved for implementation across Nigeria's public universities. Outstanding components include the Consolidated Academic and Research Allowance (CARA), Consolidated Academic Tools Allowance (CATA), Professorial Allowance, and Earned Academic Allowance (EAA). ASUU noted that the university management's response in May, indicating the state government was still studying the financial implications, was unacceptable, especially since the agreement was already negotiated and approved nationally.

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It is unacceptable that while other state universities have implemented the agreement, Plateau State University lecturers are still waiting.

The union stressed the severe economic hardship faced by its members due to the delay, exacerbated by rising inflation. Furthermore, ASUU pointed to an increasing workload on lecturers due to growing student enrollment and the establishment of new faculties, without a corresponding increase in staff or improved welfare. Lecturers are reportedly handling more courses, supervising more students, and conducting research under challenging conditions.

ASUU also expressed dissatisfaction with the state government's failure to fully implement aspects of the 2024 agreement, which had led to the suspension of a previous strike. Unmet commitments include the provision of staff quarters, completion of the university's perimeter fencing, and ensuring a stable electricity supply. The union also condemned the issuance of a query to its Branch Secretary, deeming it an act of victimization, and lamented delays in addressing pension and gratuity matters, despite the constitution of a Gratuity Board in February 2026.

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The delay has subjected our members to severe economic hardship at a time when inflation continues to erode the value of salaries.