Academic activities have been disrupted at Nasarawa State University, Keffi, and Imo State University, Owerri, following the commencement of indefinite strikes by their respective ASUU chapters, as the union’s National Executive Council authorises 20 more university branches to begin processes towards industrial action.
The NEC resolution was reached at a meeting held at the University of Abuja on Saturday and Sunday, August 8 and 9, 2026, and announced by ASUU President, Prof. Chris Piwuna, on Monday.
According to the resolution, the 20 affected branches were directed to issue 14-day ultimatums to their respective state governments and, where demands remain unmet after expiration, proceed on strike.
“Consequently, NEC resolved that permission be granted to the following branches that have approached NEC for an action, to institute the procedures to embark on strike in order to press home their demands. This is to be preceded by the issuance of a 14-day ultimatum,” Piwuna stated.
The 20 universities affected include Nasarawa State University, Keffi; Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai; University of Medical Sciences, Ondo; Gombe State University; Plateau State University; Adekunle Ajasin University; Adeyemi Federal University of Education; Abia State University; Imo State University; Niger Delta University; Taraba State University; University of Africa, Toru-Orua; Bayelsa Medical University; Ambrose Alli University; Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology; University of Education and Entrepreneurship, Akamkpa; Emmanuel Alayande University of Education; Kaduna State University; Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology; and Northwest University, Kano.
At Nasarawa State University, the ASUU chapter declared a total and indefinite strike over alleged unpaid entitlements estimated at more than N3 billion, including Earned Academic Allowances, consequential adjustments arising from the national minimum wage, and the Federal Government-approved salary increase for lecturers.
Chapter chairman Dr Zubairu Loko said the union had held several meetings with the university management, Governing Council, and Nasarawa State Government without success.
“Enough is enough. We have withdrawn our services. There will be no teaching, no supervision, no research until our money is paid,” he said.
At Imo State University, the ASUU chapter commenced its own indefinite strike over the failure of the Imo State Government to implement the 2025 Federal Government-ASUU Agreement, nearly eight months after its agreed commencement date.
The union’s grievances at IMSU include the deduction of internally generated revenue into the Treasury Single Account, alleged erosion of university autonomy, non-payment of promotion arrears dating back to 2016, outstanding salaries owed to some members, and the withholding of check-off dues since 2009.
ASUU-IMSU said it remained open to dialogue but would not suspend the strike until its demands were addressed.
The NEC decision followed widespread concerns over the slow implementation of the 2025 ASUU-Federal Government Agreement and the failure of several state-owned universities to honour the deal.
ASUU also reaffirmed its “no-pay, no-work” position, directing branches in federal universities where salaries remained underpaid to take action, and announced that an emergency meeting would be convened at the end of August or early September to review developments and take further decisions.
Digital Operations Manager at The Students Forum Nigeria.
