Academic activities have ground to a complete halt across multiple state-owned universities in Nigeria as local chapters of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) commenced a wave of total and indefinite industrial actions.
The coordinated walkouts follow the expiration of a 14-day ultimatum issued by the union’s National Executive Council (NEC) over the continued failure of state governments to implement core provisions of renegotiated agreements, including the 2009 FGN/ASUU agreement and subsequent salary adjustment frameworks.
The industrial action took effect between 12:01 AM on Tuesday, August 25, 2026 and Wednesday, August 26, 2026, as congresses across affected campuses directed members to immediately withdraw all academic and administrative services.
The disruptions cover a wide sweep of state tertiary institutions, including Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma (Edo State), Plateau State University (PLASU), Bokkos (Plateau State), Nasarawa State University, Keffi, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai (Niger State), Gombe State University, Kaduna State University and Abia State University, Uturu.
At Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, the strike officially commenced at 12:01 AM on Tuesday, August 25. Speaking following an emergency congress at the university’s main campus, the ASUU-AAU Branch Chairman, Dr. Cyril Oziegbe Onogbosele, alongside Branch Secretary Dr. William Odion, confirmed that all statutory academic duties had been suspended indefinitely.
”Congress resolved and directed members to embark on a total, comprehensive, and indefinite strike,” Dr. Onogbosele stated in a briefing in Benin City. “This covers the withdrawal of all statutory services, including teaching, conduct and invigilation of examinations, statutory committee meetings, and the supervision of student projects and industrial training.”
Similarly, at Plateau State University (PLASU), Bokkos, ASUU declared a total strike on Wednesday morning, August 26, 2026. In a statement released at the ASUU Secretariat on campus, PLASU ASUU Chairperson Comrade Vincent D. Choji and Secretary Lomka Kopdiya faulted the state government’s posture.
”Our demands, including the payment of salary arrears, commencement of the Contributory Pension Scheme, and the full implementation of renegotiated agreements, remain completely unaddressed despite the expiration of our 14-day window,” Choji declared.
Earlier in the week, Prof. Monday Lewis Igbafen, ASUU Benin Zonal Coordinator, addressed press correspondents during a media briefing in Asaba, Delta State. He cautioned that the union’s patience had been pushed to its limit.
”There will be action if state governments and relevant authorities fail to honor their commitments,” Prof. Igbafen said. “It is unimaginable that in the face of exponential cost-of-living increases, lecturers in state universities are abandoned to endure decades-old salary structures while arrears and third-party deductions remain unpaid.”
Responding to the developments, university managements have appealed for calm while maintaining that channels of communication remain open. In an official reaction issued on Tuesday afternoon, August 25, from the office of the Head of Information, Protocol and Public Relations at Ambrose Alli University, the administration noted that management was actively collaborating with state officials to reach an amicable solution.
”Management acknowledges the concerns raised by ASUU regarding agreement implementations and staff welfare,” the official stated. “We remain committed to constructive engagement alongside the State Government to ensure normal academic activities are restored swiftly.”
With strike monitoring committees activated across affected branches, lecture halls remain empty, examinations stand suspended, and thousands of students across state universities face an indefinite pause in their academic calendars.
