ASUU gives FG four-day deadline over pay

The Academic Staff Union of Universities on Thursday warned the Federal Government of Nigeria in Bauchi State to begin payment of a newly approved salary structure for lecturers within four days or risk a nationwide strike across public universities.

The warning was issued by the union’s president, Christopher Piwuna, during a visit to Sa’adu Zungur University, where he addressed members on the delay in implementing the agreement.

The union said the government had already approved a new pay structure as part of a renegotiated deal reached earlier in the year to resolve long-standing disputes in the university system. However, it noted that months after the agreement, lecturers are yet to receive salaries under the new arrangement, raising concerns among members nationwide.

ASUU explained that the ultimatum became necessary due to the continued delay, warning that failure to act within the set period would lead to a strong reaction that could disrupt academic activities across federal universities.

The union added that the situation has left many institutions struggling to meet salary obligations, with some unable to pay full wages for January and others still owing February salaries.

The crisis has already affected some schools, including the University of Lagos, where lecturers recently stopped work over unpaid salaries before suspending the action after discussions with school authorities. ASUU said such incidents could spread if urgent steps are not taken.

According to the union, the delay is linked to challenges surrounding the passage and implementation of the 2026 national budget, which has slowed down funding for the new salary structure. Despite earlier hopes that the agreement would bring stability to the university system, ASUU maintained that the lack of action has created fresh tension.

With the deadline already counting down, pressure is now on the federal government to release funds and begin payment to avoid another shutdown of public universities across the country, which could affect students and academic calendars nationwide.