Nigerian universities face strikes over pension and salary arrears

Academic unions across several Nigerian institutions have launched indefinite strikes over unpaid salary arrears, unimplemented federal agreements, and unremitted pension contributions.

At Plateau State University, the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) suspended all academic activities following a failure to resolve demands regarding the 2025 Federal Government agreement and pension schemes. Similarly, the UNIMED branch of ASUU in Ondo State commenced an indefinite strike over salary arrears and unimplemented agreements. At Federal Polytechnic Mubi, the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) has called for a forensic audit, alleging that pension deductions have not been remitted for up to two years and three months.

In Abia State, Governor Alex Otti apologized to the Abia State University (ABSU) chapter of ASUU, describing their recent strike as avoidable. He attributed the industrial action to bureaucratic delays in implementing his previous approvals for union demands. While the governor expressed regret, he also warned that officials responsible for future delays would face sanctions. Meanwhile, in Bayelsa State, the ASUU branch at Niger Delta University suspended its strike after reaching a collective bargaining agreement with the state government to address outstanding allowances and wage arrears.