African university lecturers launch strikes over pay and service disputes

Multiple academic unions across several African nations have launched or threatened indefinite strikes over unpaid allowances, salary increments, and the implementation of collective bargaining agreements.

In Ghana, the Technical University Teachers’ Association of Ghana (TUTAG) began an indefinite strike on October 1, 2026. The union cites unpaid post-retirement contracts—some outstanding for 27 months—and the unilateral alteration of service schemes as primary grievances.

In Kenya, university staff unions including UASU, KUSU, and KUDHEIHA have commenced nationwide industrial action following the collapse of negotiations regarding the 2025–2029 Collective Bargaining Agreement. While unions rejected a proposed 4% annual increase as insufficient against inflation, President William Ruto attributed the unrest to unresolved issues from the previous administration.

In Nigeria, staff unions in Lagos State-owned universities have issued an ultimatum regarding the implementation of 2026 agreements, while the University of Benin branch of ASUU has threatened legal action over unpaid September emoluments. Meanwhile, in Sierra Leone, the Union of Academic Staff Associations (UASA) is maintaining nationwide action, demanding a 100% salary increase and the full implementation of harmonized conditions of service.