ASUU Threatens Total Shutdown of Seven State Universities Over Unpaid Salaries

Rita Enemuru, Reporting 

THE Benin Zone of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has issued a stark warning that it will shut down academic activities across seven state-owned institutions in Edo, Delta and Ondo States if the 2025 FGN/ASUU Agreement is not honoured in the payment of July salaries.

The impending industrial action would affect 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.

Professor Monday Igbafen, Zonal Coordinator of ASUU Benin Zone, declared that the union had exhausted all engagement with the Governors of the affected States.

Professor Igbafen confirmed that all federal universities and ten state universities nationwide have fully implemented the Agreement, including the payment of arrears.

He insisted that the next salary of union members in these universities must reflect the CATA component and all other allowances stipulated in the Agreement, with all accrued arrears from January 2026 paid in full without delay.

“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,” Professor Igbafen warned.

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

The academic staff leader described the non-implementation of the agreement as provocative and unjust.

“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,” he said.

“The Benin Zone views the continued refusal to implement the 2025 FGN/ASUU Agreement at these institutions 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.”

Professor Igbafen concluded: “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.”