ASUU threatens strikes as states lag on 2025 salary pact

The Academic Staff Union of Universities has issued a stark warning of impending industrial action across multiple state-owned universities, citing the failure of several state governments to implement a national salary and welfare agreement signed in late 2025. The union specifically highlighted Lagos, Plateau, Gombe, Kano, Kaduna, and Jigawa states as areas of growing discontent that could lead to widespread academic disruptions.

At separate press conferences held on Wednesday and Thursday, ASUU leaders accused these state governments of failing to enact the provisions of the 2025 Federal Government-ASUU agreement, which took effect on January 1, 2026. The renegotiated deal, which replaced a 2009 pact, includes a 40 percent salary increase for lecturers and introduces new allowances such as the Consolidated Academic Tools Allowance to cover research and publication costs.

In Lagos, union officials warned that Lagos State University, Lagos State University of Education, and Lagos State University of Science and Technology could face a total shutdown. Adesola Nassir, the ASUU Lagos Zonal Coordinator, stated that six months of discussions with state representatives had yielded no...