Date: July 8, 2025
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has issued a directive for all its branches across Nigeria to commence industrial action by suspending academic activities. This development stems from delays in the payment of June 2025 salaries, triggering the union’s “No Pay, No Work” policy.
What Prompted the Strike
- Policy trigger: ASUU’s National Executive Council (NEC) resolved that lecturers must halt work if salaries aren’t paid within three days of the new month.
- Salary delays: The transition from IPPIS to GIFMIS is blamed for recurring late payments of June wages—often up to 7–10 days late—causing significant hardship.
- Outstanding allowances: In addition to salary arrears, ASUU highlights ₦10 billion in unpaid Earned Academic Allowance (EAA), stressing that the ₦40 billion already disbursed falls short of the ₦50 billion owed.
Who’s Already on Strike?
- Branches at University of Jos and University of Abuja have immediately complied, halting lectures and statutory duties.
- ASUU President Prof. Chris Piwuna confirmed these are simply enforcing the NEC mandate.
ASUU’s Position
- No indefinite strike yet: ASUU clarifies this is not yet a full-scale indefinite strike but active implementation of its policy at affected branches.
- Escalation ahead?: Prof. Piwuna warns of nationwide escalation if July salaries are similarly delayed by July 31, 2025.
- Platform working well: The union insists the issue lies with the OAGF’s handling, not the payment infrastructure.
What’s Next?
- Female and male academics at universities awaiting June pay are abiding by the strike directive.
- Resolved branches (e.g. ATBU, UniAbuja) have resumed activities following salary disbursements.
- Deadline looming: Should the pattern repeat with July salaries, ASUU plans to move from local strike action to a potential nationwide shutdown.
ASUU’s strike underscores a growing tension over respect for the “No Pay, No Work” policy and university autonomy. With finances unsettled, the union is leveraging industrial action more strategically. The nationwide academic community and government will closely watch developments as July’s payroll deadline approaches.
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