By Ene Rebecca
August 12, 2026
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has directed lecturers in 20 state-owned universities across Nigeria to prepare for an indefinite strike, citing delays and uneven implementation of a 2025 agreement with the Federal Government.
The union reached the decision at its National Executive Council meeting held at the University of Abuja on August 8 and 9, 2026. Affected institutions have been instructed to issue a 14-day ultimatum to their respective state governments. Industrial action may follow if the outstanding issues are not resolved within that period.
ASUU President Christopher Piwuna said the national leadership reviewed the situation and agreed that the affected universities should move towards industrial action if the problems remain unaddressed. The union linked the planned action to difficulties with payments and funding needed to fulfil commitments made to university lecturers under the agreement.
The 2025 agreement was signed on January 14 following years of negotiations that concluded in December 2025. It includes provisions for the Consolidated Academic Tools Allowance, Earned Academic Allowance and Professorial Allowance, among other measures intended to improve the welfare and working conditions of academic staff.
Implementation has been uneven. While about 10 state universities have fully applied the agreement, more than 57 others continue to face challenges. Many state governments have yet to meet their financial obligations, leaving lecturers awaiting payments and benefits. ASUU also raised concerns over delays by the Federal Government in providing the financial support required for complete implementation.
The universities listed include Nasarawa State University, Keffi; Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai; University of Medical Sciences, Ondo; Gombe State University; Plateau State University, Bokkos; Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba; Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma; Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology, Okitipupa; Abia State University, Uturu; and University of Education and Entrepreneurship, Akamkpa. Others are Emmanuel Alayande University of Education, Oyo; Kaduna State University; Kano State University of Science and Technology, Wudil; Northwest University, Kano; Enugu State University of Science and Technology; Imo State University; Niger Delta University; University of Africa, Toru-Orua; Bayelsa Medical University; and Taraba State University, Jalingo.
If the issues are not resolved before the 14-day notice expires, academic activities in the listed institutions could be disrupted.
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