ASUU threatens indefinite strike in seven state-owned universities

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Benin Zone, has threatened to embark on an indefinite strike across seven state-owned universities in Edo, Delta and Ondo states if the 2025 Federal Government/ASUU Agreement is not implemented in the July salary payment.

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.

Addressing journalists on Monday, the Zonal Coordinator of ASUU Benin Zone, Prof. Monday Igbafen, said the union had exhausted all avenues of engagement with the governments of the three states.

He noted that while all federal universities and 10 state-owned universities had fully implemented the 2025 FGN/ASUU Agreement, the affected institutions were yet to comply.

According to him, the July salaries of members must reflect the Consequential Adjustment of Total Consolidated Academic Allowance and other entitlements contained in the agreement, while arrears from January 2026 must also be paid.

“We state, with all sense of responsibility, that any failure or further prevarication by the three state governments will inevitably provoke a total, comprehensive, and indefinite industrial action.

“ASUU remains committed to industrial peace in our universities. However, peace without justice is a mirage. The only path to lasting harmony is the immediate and full implementation of the Agreement as from the July salary.

“We therefore call on the Governors of Edo, Ondo, and Delta States to act now, before our universities are shut down,” Igbafen said.

The ASUU leader described the continued non-implementation of the agreement as unjust, accusing the affected state governments of failing to provide the financial backing required for its execution.

“Our members in these institutions are being shortchanged by the governors and visitors of Edo, Ondo and Delta states, who have failed to provide the financial backing required for implementation.

“The Benin Zone views the continued refusal to implement the 2025 FGN/ASUU Agreement at 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, with grave concern.

“The patience of our congresses in these universities has been exhausted. 

“For six months, our members have awaited concrete steps toward the implementation of the agreement. 

“In return, they have been met only with trivialisation and disregard.

“We therefore inform you that 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.