ASUU Declares Nationwide Indefinite Strike Over Unpaid Salaries
By Erewunmi Peace
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has officially declared a nationwide indefinite strike, plunging Nigeria’s public universities into a fresh wave of uncertainty.
The industrial action, which took effect on July 4, 2025, follows the non-payment of June salaries to academic staff across multiple institutions. The union says the Federal Government’s failure to meet salary obligations has forced its hand to implement its long-standing “No Pay, No Work” policy.
What Triggered the Strike
According to ASUU’s National Executive Council (NEC), the strike is in direct response to the government’s delayed payment of lecturers’ June salaries. The delay, reportedly caused by glitches in the transition from the IPPIS to the GIFMIS payroll system, has left lecturers unpaid and disillusioned.
In an internal memo circulated to its chapters nationwide, ASUU President Prof. Chris Piwuna stated:
“Our members cannot continue to work without pay. This indefinite strike is a collective decision to stand against the continuous neglect of university staff welfare.”
Universities Affected
Branches that have already complied with the directive include:
University of Jos (UNIJOS)
University of Abuja (UNIABUJA)
Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU)
University of Ibadan (UI)
And several others nationwide.
Academic activities including lectures, exams, and project supervision have now been suspended indefinitely in most federal universities.
Reactions
The announcement has sparked concern among students and parents, many of whom fear yet another prolonged disruption to academic calendars. Several student unions have called on the Federal Government to immediately address ASUU’s demands and avoid a repeat of the 2022 eight-month strike that crippled the education sector.
Education analysts warn that continued strike actions could further weaken Nigeria’s university system and undermine global competitiveness.
What’s Next
ASUU has vowed not to resume academic duties until all withheld salaries are paid and a concrete commitment is made to regularize the payroll system. Meanwhile, the Federal Government has yet to issue an official response.
