ASUU threatens indefinite strike over unpaid agreement

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Benin Zone, has issued a fresh ultimatum to the governments of Edo, Delta and Ondo states, warning that it will embark on an indefinite strike across seven state-owned universities if the 2025 Federal Government/ASUU Agreement is not implemented by the end of July.

Speaking at a press briefing in Benin City on Monday, the Zonal Coordinator, Prof. Monday Igbafen, said ASUU branches in the affected institutions had already begun mobilising members for a total shutdown of academic activities.

He accused the three state governments of failing to implement the agreement six months after it was unveiled, despite repeated engagements by the union.

The affected institutions are 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.

According to Igbafen, the agreement, unveiled on January 14, 2026, was accompanied by a Federal Government directive urging state governments to adopt its provisions.

He said while all federal universities and at least 10 state-owned universities had implemented the agreement, including the payment of arrears, the governments of Edo, Delta and Ondo were yet to comply.

“The governors of Edo, Delta and Ondo states have failed to provide the financial backing required for the implementation of the agreement,” he said.

Igbafen described the prolonged delay as “provocative and unjust,” alleging that the affected states had failed to pay the Consolidated Academic and Technologists Allowance, other approved allowances and arrears dating back to January 2026.

He said the continued failure to honour the agreement left the union with no option but to prepare for industrial action.

“Our congresses in the affected state universities have commenced full mobilisation for a total, comprehensive and indefinite strike in response to the persistent failure of the governments of Edo, Ondo and Delta states to honour the agreement,” he said.

While reaffirming ASUU’s commitment to industrial harmony, Igbafen urged the governors of the three states to immediately implement the agreement to avert a disruption of academic activities.