The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has warned of an indefinite strike at seven state-owned universities in Edo, Delta and Ondo unless the 2025 federal government–ASUU agreement shows up in lecturers’ July pay. The union says members have waited six months with no sign of implementation.
ASUU wants the Consequential Adjustment to Academic Allowances and all other parts of the 2025 deal included in July salaries, plus payment of arrears dating back to January 2026.
Speaking in Benin City on Monday, ASUU Benin Zonal Coordinator Prof. Monday Igbafen said repeated talks with the three state governments have failed to produce results. The affected schools 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.
Igbafen noted that all federal universities and 10 state-owned institutions have already implemented the agreement and paid outstanding arrears, but the seven Benin Zone universities lag behind despite repeated appeals.
The union demanded immediate action and warned of action if governors don’t move. “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 added: “ASUU remains committed to industrial peace in our universities. However, peace without justice is a mirage. The only path to lasting harmony is the immediate and full implementation of the agreement as from the July salary.”
ASUU accused the Edo, Delta and Ondo governments of failing to provide funds, said mobilisation has begun on campuses, and urged the governors to act quickly. Earlier, the federal government reached a major pact with ASUU to strengthen and develop public universities.
