More branches of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) have begun suspending academic activities following the Federal Government’s delay in payment of June 2025 salaries.
The union had earlier warned of a looming strike action if salaries were not paid promptly. ASUU’s National President, Professor Chris Piwuna, recently reiterated that the union would enforce a no-pay-no-work policy if the government failed to fulfill its financial obligations.
Unpaid Salaries Trigger Withdrawal of Services
As of July 2025, lecturers in several public universities and polytechnics across Nigeria have reportedly not received their June salaries. In response, branches of ASUU have started withdrawing their services, including halting lectures and official academic duties.
The University of Jos chapter, led by Chairman Jurbe Molwus, officially announced a service withdrawal, citing directives from the National Executive Council (NEC). According to Molwus, the NEC had earlier resolved that branches should take action if salaries are not paid by the third day of the new month.
“Our members have stopped attending lectures and statutory meetings,” Molwus stated.
“This action will continue each time salaries are delayed beyond the third of any month.”
A strike monitoring team has also been activated by the Jos chapter to enforce compliance.
ASUU Members at ATBU and UniAbuja Join Protest
At Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU) in Bauchi State, ASUU members complied with a similar directive. Dr. Angulu Haruna, chairman of the ASUU ATBU branch, accused the Federal Government of deliberately delaying salary payments.
“While other government agencies are paid promptly, federal universities are often neglected,” Haruna said.
“The usual excuse is the transition from IPPIS, but we believe this is preferential treatment against academic institutions.”
In University of Abuja, only minimal academic activity was observed. Lecturers largely stayed off campus due to the continued delay in salary disbursement.
A faculty member at Ahmadu Bello University, who preferred anonymity, confirmed that most lecturers had decided to observe the NEC directive and will remain absent until their salaries are paid.
ASUP Also Threatens Strike Action
Adding to the tension, the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) issued a stern warning on Sunday night. The union stated that it would embark on an indefinite strike if the government fails to release the delayed June salaries.
This development underscores a growing wave of discontent across Nigeria’s public tertiary institutions, as both universities and polytechnics demand better financial treatment from the Federal Government.
