Academic activities at Plateau State University, Bokkos, may be disrupted indefinitely following the declaration of a total, comprehensive and indefinite strike by the university’s chapter of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU-PLASU).
The union announced the strike on Wednesday after its Congress meeting, following the expiration of a 14-day ultimatum issued to the university management on August 11, 2026.
According to a statement signed by the ASUU-PLASU Chairperson, Vincent D. Choji, and Secretary, Lomka Kopdiya, the industrial action followed the union’s dissatisfaction with the university administration’s response to its six-point charter of demands.
What are the issues behind the strike?
The union’s demands cover staff welfare, implementation of agreements, security and working conditions.
1. Contributory Pension Scheme
ASUU-PLASU is demanding the commencement of the Contributory Pension Scheme for university staff.
2. Implementation of 2025 FG-ASUU Agreement
The union is also demanding the full implementation of the 2025 Federal Government/ASUU agreement, including the payment of outstanding arrears dating from January 1, 2026.
3. Safe Staff Accommodation
The union wants the university to provide safe and secure staff quarters, citing the need for better welfare and working conditions for its members.
4. Improved Security Around the University
ASUU-PLASU is demanding the construction of trenches around the university’s perimeter fence, which it says is necessary to strengthen security around the institution.
5. Alleged Intimidation of Union Leaders
The union is also calling for an end to what it described as the intimidation of union leaders.
6. Payment of Wage Award Arrears
Another major demand is the payment of 22 months’ arrears of the 25/35 per cent wage award owed to affected staff.
Why did ASUU declare the strike?
The union said it had given the university management 14 days to address its demands. However, after the ultimatum expired, ASUU-PLASU said the issues had still not been satisfactorily resolved.
The union stated that its Congress was convinced that “the substance of our demands on all six items has not been satisfactorily addressed.”
Following approval from the National Executive Council of ASUU, the Congress resolved to proceed with the industrial action.
What does this mean for students?
With members directed to suspend
academic activities until further notice, lectures and other academic activities could be affected across the university.
The duration of the disruption will depend on negotiations between the union and the university management and the extent to which the outstanding demands are addressed.
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