ASUU Declares Nationwide Strike Over Unpaid Salaries, First Under Tinubu

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has declared a total and indefinite nationwide strike, marking the first major industrial action under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

The move follows the Federal Government’s failure to pay ₦10 billion in earned academic allowances and delays in June salary payments.

ASUU President, Dr. Chris Piwuna, announced the strike after what he described as months of repeated delays, broken promises, and deliberate sabotage by the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF). The union accuses the OAGF of failing to uphold the timely disbursement of salaries agreed upon under the Government Integrated Financial Management Information System (GIFMIS), a payment platform both parties had settled on following the controversial exit from IPPIS.

“No pay, no work. That was the understanding,” said Dr. Piwuna. “But the government continues to treat the welfare of academic staff with indifference. Sometimes, salaries come two weeks late. Other times, not at all.”

At the heart of the strike is the unpaid ₦10 billion balance from the ₦50 billion in earned allowances promised to ASUU during the last National Executive Council (NEC) meeting. While ₦40 billion has reportedly been paid, the union says the government has gone silent on the remaining ₦10 billion.

The strike comes just days before scheduled examinations in many public universities, causing widespread concern among students and parents. So far, the University of Jos (UNIJOS) and the University of Abuja (UNIABUJA) have reportedly joined the strike, with more campuses expected to follow suit in the coming days.

According to unconfirmed reports, June salaries may have been paid in the last 48 hours, but ASUU has yet to confirm receipt or signal a reversal of its strike decision.

Recall that ASUU’s demands stretch back decades. In 2009, a landmark agreement was reached between the union and the government, promising improved funding, salaries, and working conditions for Nigerian universities. That agreement was renegotiated in 2021, but key provisions remain unimplemented.

Among ASUU’s long-standing demands are:

1. Full implementation of the 2021 renegotiated agreement

2. Immediate release of withheld salaries

3. Settlement of outstanding deductions

4. Adequate funding of public universities

5. Payment of allowances captured in the 2023 budget

Of note is a ₦200 billion annual revitalisation fund promised by the government for five years, of which only one tranche was paid in 2013.

Meanwhile, ASUU’s strike was declared just days after President Tinubu reportedly announced foreign scholarships in St. Lucia, sparking public outrage over perceived government priorities.

For now, ASUU says it will not return to classrooms until all outstanding payments are made, including the full ₦10 billion allowances and regularisation of future salary payments.

Source: Trending Explained