The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has issued a strong warning of an impending nationwide strike due to the delayed payment of salaries for June 2025. This strike initially began with some ASUU branches, but if the demands are not met, it could escalate nationwide, impacting universities all over Nigeria. Here’s what you need to know.
What Is ASUU’s Strike About?
The strike threat stems from the Federal Government’s failure to pay June 2025 salaries to university lecturers on time, violating the agreements made between the union and the government. This issue has escalated to a full-blown dispute, with ASUU members from several university branches already halting services until the government fulfills its obligations.
Which ASUU Branches Are Currently on Strike?
The strike has not affected all ASUU branches yet. For now, only certain branches have initiated the action. These branches include:
- University of Jos (UNIJOS)
- University of Abuja (UniAbuja)
- Ahmadu Bello University (ABU)
- Bayero University Kano (BUK)
- University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT)
These branches are the first to down tools following the failure of the Federal Government to meet the agreed-upon salary payment schedule for June. ASUU’s National Executive Council (NEC) has stated that the strike may spread to other universities if the issue is not resolved.
Why the Strike Was Triggered
ASUU’s decision to go on strike was primarily driven by the non-payment of salaries for June 2025, and long-standing grievances over:
- Unpaid Earned Academic Allowances (EAA), totaling over ₦10 billion
- Failure to implement agreements made in 2009 and 2020
- Inefficient and corrupt payroll systems like the IPPIS (Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System), which ASUU wants replaced with UTAS (University Transparency and Accountability Solution)
ASUU has made it clear that the strike will escalate to other branches if the government fails to act and address these issues promptly.
The Role of IPPIS and UTAS
A major issue at the heart of this dispute is the IPPIS system, which the Nigerian government currently uses to pay salaries of public servants, including university lecturers. ASUU has long opposed IPPIS, arguing that it is inefficient and rigid, and doesn’t cater to the unique needs of university staff. ASUU prefers to use UTAS, a more flexible and transparent payroll system that they developed specifically for university lecturers.
The strike is partly a result of the government’s refusal to fully implement UTAS despite claims from ASUU that it is ready for use.
How Will This Strike Affect Students?
The strike, which initially affects only certain university branches, will result in:
- Suspended lectures and academic activities in affected universities
- Delays in exams and graduation for students, particularly for those in their final years
- Postponed admissions for new students, causing a ripple effect in the academic calendar
If the strike spreads to more branches, students in those universities will be impacted as well. This could lead to even more significant disruptions to the academic year.
What is the Government’s Response?
The Federal Government has acknowledged ASUU’s complaints but claims that it is working on resolving the issue. However, ASUU remains unsatisfied with the government’s slow response to the strike and other grievances, including funding and infrastructure issues.
Despite assurances from the government, ASUU insists that these are old promises that have not been implemented effectively.
What Happens Next?
ASUU has warned that the strike could spread to more universities if the government fails to address the demands. The government has been given a short deadline to meet ASUU’s demands, and failure to act swiftly will result in a nationwide strike.
For now, students in the affected universities should prepare for delays and disruptions, as the situation is still unfolding. ASUU has reaffirmed that their members will continue to press for the full implementation of their demands.
Conclusion: What’s at Stake for Nigerian Universities?
The ASUU strike represents a deeper issue within Nigerian universities: chronic underfunding, poor infrastructure, and the failure to respect agreements with educational unions. ASUU’s demand for a fairer and more transparent payroll system is just one example of the broader issues at play.
If the strike continues to escalate, Nigerian students could face prolonged disruptions, resulting in further loss of time and opportunities. The government must take action and address the issues raised by ASUU to prevent further damage to the academic system.
FAQs
Q1: Which universities are affected by the ASUU strike?
A1: Currently, only certain ASUU branches have gone on strike, including those in UNIJOS, UniAbuja, ABU, BUK, and UNIPORT. If unresolved, the strike could spread to other universities.
Q2: Why is ASUU on strike?
A2: ASUU is on strike over unpaid salaries, unresolved agreements, and the government’s refusal to replace IPPIS with the UTAS payroll system.
Q3: How will this strike affect students?
A3: Students will face delays in exams, graduation disruptions, and postponed admissions in affected universities. Other universities may also join the strike, causing broader delays.
Q4: What is IPPIS and why does ASUU oppose it?
A4: IPPIS is the payroll system used by the government to pay salaries, which ASUU argues is inefficient for university staff. ASUU prefers UTAS, which they believe is more suitable for universities.
Q5: How long will the strike last?
A5: The strike will continue until the government addresses the delayed salaries, EAA arrears, and implements UTAS as the payroll system.
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