The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has commenced an indefinite nationwide strike over the Federal Government’s failure to pay June 2025 salaries, enforcing its longstanding “No Pay, No Work” policy.
The industrial action, already in effect at institutions like the University of Jos and the University of Abuja, is a response to what ASUU describes as persistent salary delays and worsening financial hardship among academic staff.
Strike Backed by NEC Resolution
The strike aligns with a resolution passed by the union’s National Executive Council (NEC), which mandates withdrawal of services if monthly salaries are not paid within the first three days of a new month.
Confirming the development, ASUU President Professor Chris Piwuna stated that the union had exhausted all diplomatic channels, including meetings with the Minister of Education and the Accountant-General of the Federation, without achieving any meaningful resolution.
“Our members cannot continue to work without pay. This is not a technical glitch. The delays are deliberate and unacceptable,” said Piwuna.
Switch from IPPIS to GIFMIS Blamed
ASUU further cited the Federal Government’s recent switch from the Integrated Personnel Payroll and Information System (IPPIS) to the Government Integrated Financial Management Information System (GIFMIS) as a key reason for the salary delays.
The union claims the new system has complicated payment processes and worsened members’ financial difficulties.
N10 Billion Earned Academic Allowances Outstanding
In addition to the salary delay, ASUU is demanding the release of the remaining ₦10 billion from the ₦50 billion previously approved for Earned Academic Allowances (EAA).
“We are still owed ₦10 billion in EAA. If this is not addressed promptly, it could trigger another round of industrial unrest,” ASUU warned.
Compliance at UNIJOS, UNIABUJA
At the University of Jos, ASUU branch chairman, Jurbe Molwus, confirmed that lecturers have withdrawn their services and a strike monitoring team is in place to enforce compliance.
At the University of Abuja, academic activities have also been suspended. While the branch chairman has yet to issue an official statement, sources within the university confirmed that ASUU members have joined the strike.
What’s Next?
ASUU has made it clear that the only path to resolving the strike is for the Federal Government to immediately pay the outstanding June 2025 salaries and fulfil all previous agreements made with the union.
With Nigeria’s university system already plagued by frequent disruptions, the latest strike once again threatens the academic calendar, placing students and institutions in limbo.
