ASUU Threatens Indefinite Strike in Seven State Universities Over Unimplemented Agreement

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Benin Zone, has warned that it may begin an indefinite strike across seven state-owned universities in Edo, Delta, and Ondo states if the 2025 Federal Government/ASUU agreement is not implemented in members' July salaries. 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. Speaking during a press briefing at the University of Benin on Monday, ASUU Benin Zonal Coordinator, Prof. Monday Igbafen, said the union had made several attempts to resolve the matter through dialogue with the governments of the three states but had yet to achieve a satisfactory outcome. According to him, while federal universities and several state-owned institutions have already implemented the 2025 agreement, including the payment of outstanding arrears, the seven affected universities are yet to comply. ASUU is demanding that members' July salaries reflect the agreed Consequential Adjustment to Academic Allowances and other components of the agreement. The union also called for the payment of all outstanding arrears dating back to January 2026. Prof. Igbafen warned that failure by the Edo, Delta, and Ondo State governments to implement the agreement could lead to a total and indefinite industrial action across the affected universities. He stated that the union remains committed to maintaining industrial harmony but stressed that lasting peace can only be achieved through the full implementation of agreements reached with academic staff. The ASUU official further accused the state governments of failing to provide the necessary financial support to implement the agreement, adding that lecturers have waited for six months without any meaningful progress. He disclosed that ASUU branches in the affected universities have already begun mobilising members in preparation for a possible indefinite strike should the governments fail to meet the union's demands.