The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has commenced a nationwide industrial action following the non-payment of June 2025 salaries to its members. The union has instructed all branches across the country to withdraw their services in adherence to a long-standing resolution that enforces a “No Pay, No Work” policy.
Two major federal universities—the University of Jos (UNIJOS) and the University of Abuja—have already downed tools, setting the tone for what could become a widespread disruption of academic activities across Nigerian public universities.
ASUU National President, Professor Chris Piwuna, confirmed the development during a press briefing in Abuja. He expressed deep frustration over what he described as the government’s persistent failure to prioritize the welfare of university lecturers.
“This is not a new decision,” Piwuna said. “It is a resolution by our National Executive Council (NEC) that if salaries are not paid by the third day of a new month, our members will withdraw their services until payment is made. Our members are going through a lot due to the recurring delays.”
According to the union, the migration of university payrolls from the Integrated Personnel Payroll and Information System (IPPIS) to the Government Integrated Financial Management Information System (GIFMIS) has worsened the situation, with some lecturers waiting up to 10 days or more to receive their earnings.
Efforts by ASUU to engage key government officials, including the Minister of Education and the Accountant General of the Federation, have reportedly yielded no results. Piwuna insisted the delays are not technical, but rather the result of deliberate actions by officials within the Office of the Accountant General.
“The payment platform is not the issue. It is working fine. What we are facing is a deliberate delay in fund release. This is unacceptable,” Piwuna said.
He further warned that if the Federal Government fails to address the salary issues promptly, including the release of the outstanding N10 billion in Earned Academic Allowance (EAA), the union might escalate its action.
“The total EAA owed was N50 billion. Only N40 billion has been released. We are still expecting the remaining N10 billion,” he added.
Branch-level compliance has begun in earnest. At the University of Jos, the local ASUU chairman, Dr. Jurbe Molwus, confirmed that members have ceased all academic and statutory duties following an affirmation of the NEC directive at a recent congress.
“The strike monitoring committee has been activated to ensure full compliance,” Molwus stated.
Similarly, at the University of Abuja, reports confirm that union members have joined the strike, although the branch leadership has yet to issue a formal public statement.
The current industrial action threatens to derail the academic calendar once again, with students and parents expressing growing concern about the recurring disruptions in the public university system.
EduTimes Africa, a product of Education Times Africa, is a magazine publication that aims to lend its support to close the yawning gap in Africa's educational development.